Story and photos by Stacey Wittig
You’ll find plenty of places in Prescott, Arizona, that get you and your pooch out into the Great Outdoors. For instance, join pet-happy locals who walk their furry friends around the historic square downtown. Or play with your four-legged pal on the shady lawns surrounding the iconic Yavapai County Courthouse in the plaza. Sniff out Arizona’s 1864 territorial capital by taking the Prescott Heritage Trail, a 90-minute self-guided walking tour around this dog-friendly city.
What to Do
Window shopping while walking around downtown just not enough? When Prescott’s charming shops and boutiques call your name, then drop your canine traveling companion at Whisker’s Barkery just down the block. They’ll pet sit for a few hours while you peruse Prescott’s tantalizing shopping possibilities.
Prescott is the perfect destination for travelers looking to reduce the risks of COVID by getting outdoors. Watson Lake Park’s trails at sunset are incredible.
We walked with Willa and her human, Jan Kempster, of Prescott Pet and House Sitting. They showed us their favorite wag-producing trails around the lake and among the park’s unique granite topography. Another beloved city park is Thumb Butte Park, where leashed pups are allowed on the hiking trails and picnic areas.
For off-leash adventures, check out Willow Creek Dog Park if your doggie friend is over four months old, wears license tags and is properly inoculated. The park offers agility equipment for your top dog to practice their natural skills and separate areas for large and small dogs.
Prescott makes the perfect basecamp for exploring Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial State Park in Yarnell, 37 miles away. The park and its seven-mile hike that memorializes the 19 men who gave their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Wildfire is a moving tribute. You’ll want your fur baby along with you for this emotional experience.
The trail is expertly cut through the rugged granite labyrinth of the Wheeler Mountains. Take hats, sunscreen, and two-four liters of water for you and your leashed globe trotter. Free entry, but go early during the midweek because the parking lot fills fast.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds in Prescott. Still, we chose Springhill Suites by Marriott Prescott for its location in the heart of historic downtown, complimentary breakfasts, outdoor firepit and the dog-friendly attitude of the friendly staff and owners.
Its new renovation sparkles with an upscale, urban theme that incorporates the colors of the surrounding Prescott National Forest. The king studio with sofa bed and kitchenette provides plenty of space for dog families, big or small. Marriott’s focus on the health and safety of its guests and associates shone throughout our stay.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Unleash your taste buds, but not your dog, at one of the dozens of pet-friendly dining patios around Prescott. The small Arizona town is becoming quite a foodie and doggie destination, so the most challenging part of dog-friendly dining is selecting from the amazing possibilities.
We adored the Charred Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho and Goat Cheese Salad with sun-dried strawberries at Farm Provisions, where they welcome dogs with dog water bowls on the covered patio. Reservations were recommended, but we walked in no problem.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Raven Café, a certified Green Restaurant®. We loved the Thai Chicken Cashew Tacos for dinner on the dog-friendly patio.
Don’t miss Soul Ride Bike Shop & Taproom for their craft beers on draft and fun patio. Barley Hound is currently closed for renovation but still worthy of mention for its pet menu and large courtyard dog-friendly patio.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based near Flagstaff, Arizona. Get free travel tips and inspiration at: unstoppablestaceytravel.com
