October 10, 2015, Prescott- I took three hours, this afternoon, to begin my series of hikes around Prescott Circle.  It is a 51-mile loop, that connects several of our area’s natural wonders.  As is my wont, I am doing the circuit in clockwise fashion.  So, I started with Segment 10, which takes in a very familiar stretch:  Pioneer Park.  This is a huge greenbelt in northeast Prescott, with a rim trail that looks down on a series of groves, comprised of juniper pine and scrub oak.  The park has 9 miles of hiking trails, in addition to Prescott Circle, which goes along the park’s northern edge, then dips down and passes through Pioneer’s ball field, before continuing on.

The surrounding mountain ranges, such as the Bradshaws, background left, are all visible from the rim trail.

I have hiked in this area several times, but looking at it as part of a whole gives Pioneer Park a fresher meaning.  The strength that comes from walking 9.6 miles round trip is an added benefit. Tomorrow, if my chores and acts of service are done, I will pursue the next segment, also in familiar areas:  The Embry-Riddle Forest Preserve and Willow Lake.