April 2017 Mangum Dental Hike of the Month
Glassford Hill Summit Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 940 ft. (5183 – 6123 ft.)
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Free
Directions: From downtown Prescott travel east on Gurley St. onto Highway 69. Travel toward Prescott Valley on Hwy 69 for about 7.8 miles. After entering Prescott Valley, turn left onto Prescott East Highway. In less than a mile there is a Summit Trail sign directing a left turn onto E. Sunset Lane. Follow the signs and take a right turn on N. Castle Dr. There is a large dirt parking lot. Parking here is free with restrooms at the trailhead.
The Glassford Hill Summit Trail officially opened in May 2016. From Highway 69 the hill seems ordinary and unassuming. However, the view from the top is worth the nearly 1000 ft. in elevation gain. The trail begins through the grasslands at the base of the hill with a gradual incline. Just beyond the water storage tank the incline steepens, the trail follows the southern ridge line, and the last mile includes eight switchbacks. Along the way there are sweeping views of Prescott Valley and multiple picnic tables. The view from the top provides magnificent 360-degree panorama.
The trail is primitive, wide, with little shade. The hike is suitable for a leisurely stroll or a brisk workout. The trail features educational signs, which highlight the areas interesting history, vegetation, and archeological evidences. Colonel William Glassford’s heliograph station located on top of ‘Bald Mountain’ served as part of a sophisticated messaging system linking military communication throughout much of Arizona and New Mexico. The trail’s close proximity to town and excellent access makes this a popular hiking destination.
Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service. Get the Mangum Dental app for free and have the hike of the month on the go. Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.
