
Glassford Hill Summit Trail
Hike to panoramic summit views on a rocky, switchbacking trail in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Glassford Hill Summit Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to panoramic summit views on a rocky, switchbacking trail in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
"The panoramic view at the top was worth the hike."

🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key
Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Prescott Valley, Watson Lake, and surrounding landscapes.
Tumb Butte Overlook
Past the cell towers
A hidden trail reveals a spectacular view of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake, and the Granite Dells.
Picnic Table Rest Stop
Approximately 1 mile in
A welcome spot to rest and refuel with a view, located at a switchback where the trail steepens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Time to Ascend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key
Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
Don't forget sunblock and a hat, as there's limited shade on the ascent.
📸 Hidden Viewpoint
Go past the cell towers to find a trail on the left for a spectacular, less-known view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key
Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
Don't forget sunblock and a hat, as there's limited shade on the ascent.
📸 Hidden Viewpoint
Go past the cell towers to find a trail on the left for a spectacular, less-known view.
🚗 Ample Parking & Restrooms
The parking lot is well-maintained and has restrooms available at the trailhead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Glassford Hill Summit Trail for its spectacular 360-degree summit views, which are consistently described as worth the hike. The well-maintained trail and trailhead amenities, including parking and restrooms, are appreciated. However, some find the double-track and rocky terrain less appealing, and the steep incline requires good physical preparation.
"Double track trail that has long switchbacks to the top. It's around 2.1 miles up, with a posted elevation gain of 940ft. Trail is rocky, with a considerable amount of loose rocks. I'm not a big fan of double track, or rocky trails, but the panoramic view at the top was worth the hike. And if you take the double track trail to the cell towers, go past the towers, on the left behind a tree, there's a trail that will take you to a spectacular view of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. Stunning!"
Elizabeth M
"Great place for trail walking or hiking if you don't have time to leave town. Starts with a mild slope and gets progressively steeper the further you go. There was a picnic table about a mile in, a bit past the tanks at a switchback where it gets steeper again. That's as far as I got this day. The picture was taken at the picnic table."
Ted George
"This great trail is worth hiking, not really a lot of other hikers, although I went on a week day. 360 degrees views, a little challenging as you climb uphill, however,it’s worth visiting. Parking lot is well maintained as well as the trail itself."
Gabe Storm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common trailhead is in Prescott Valley, accessible via Castle Canyon Mesa, passing some water towers. This route offers a clear path with switchbacks leading to the summit.
Yes, the trail is well-marked and maintained. There's plenty of parking at the trailhead, making it easy to locate.
GPS devices and phone apps should guide you to the trailhead. Many visitors report good cell signal (Verizon) along the trail.
Public transportation options to the trailhead are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access Glassford Hill Summit Trail.
The drive from Prescott to the Glassford Hill Summit Trail trailhead in Prescott Valley is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Glassford Hill Summit Trail is free to access. There are no admission fees required to hike the trail or enjoy the summit views.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's an outdoor natural area, so there are no strict operating hours, but it's best to hike during daylight.
No advance booking is necessary. Glassford Hill Summit Trail is a public access trail, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
No permits are required for individuals or small groups hiking the Glassford Hill Summit Trail.
The trail is considered intermediate-level tough due to its steepness and rocky terrain. While accessible to many, it may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is approximately 2.1 miles to the summit, with an elevation gain of about 940 feet. The round trip can take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace.
It's a double-track trail with a considerable amount of loose and rocky sections. Supportive hiking shoes are highly recommended.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the parking area at the trailhead.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Glassford Hill Summit Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations before your visit.
Many visitors report having good cell signal, particularly Verizon users, on the trail and at the summit.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views. Don't miss the hidden viewpoint past the cell towers for a unique perspective of Tumb Butte and Watson Lake.
Late afternoon provides beautiful golden hour light for photography. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer people.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near cell towers or if it interferes with wildlife or other visitors. Always check local regulations before flying.
The summit itself, the cell towers, and the unique rock formations of the Granite Dells visible from the overlook are great photo subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant landmarks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone has supportive shoes and plenty of water. The summit views are a great reward for the effort, and kids often enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. For a shorter outing, you can hike to the picnic table and back.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Day-Trippers
The hike provides a good workout and stunning views without requiring a full day commitment. You can easily complete the hike and still have time for other activities in Prescott Valley. The well-maintained trailhead with parking and restrooms adds to the convenience for a quick escape into nature.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens to focus on distant geological features. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of your photos, so multiple visits might be worthwhile.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail
As you ascend, you'll encounter a picnic table around the one-mile mark, offering a convenient spot to rest. This area also marks a point where the trail becomes progressively steeper. The trail leads to the summit, which is also home to cell towers. For those seeking an even more spectacular view, a less obvious trail behind a tree to the left, past the towers, leads to a breathtaking overlook of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake, and the Granite Dells.
Reddit users often discuss the trail's condition, with some noting it's not their preferred type of trail (double-track, rocky) but still finding the summit views well worth the effort. The trail is generally well-maintained, and the parking lot is also in good condition.
Summit Views and Photography
For photographers, the summit provides ample opportunities. The golden hour during late afternoon is particularly recommended for its beautiful lighting, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Early mornings can also be rewarding with softer light and fewer people. Beyond the main summit, the hidden overlook past the cell towers offers a unique perspective, framing Tumb Butte and Watson Lake beautifully.
While the main trail is a double-track, the offshoot to the hidden overlook is more of a natural path. TikTok and Instagram content often showcases these sweeping views, highlighting the photogenic nature of the location. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the expansive scenery.
Planning Your Visit
Essential gear includes supportive hiking shoes, as the trail is rocky and can be slippery. Hydration is critical; bring at least 64 ounces of water per person, as the elevation gain can be challenging. Sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, is also advised due to the exposed nature of the trail.
Amenities at the trailhead include ample parking and restrooms, making it convenient for visitors. While cell service is generally good, it's always wise to inform someone of your hiking plans. The trail is a great option for those looking for a rewarding hike without having to leave the immediate vicinity of Prescott Valley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit