On Walkabout At: Pioneer Park 10k Course In Prescott, Arizona

Basic Information

• Name: Pioneer Park
• Where: Prescott, Arizona
• Distance: 6.1 miles (10k)
• Difficulty: Easy (230 feet elevation gain)
• More Information: City of Prescott website

Topographic Map of Pioneer Park 10k Course

Narrative

Back when I was living in Prescott, Arizona I used to jog the 10 kilometer course at Pioneer Park on the North side of town every week.  Every time I go back to Prescott always make sure to go for a jog over at Pioneer Park to first of all get some exercise, but also to take in the great views that can be seen from the park.  The 10k course is accessed by turning on to Commerce Drive from Willow Creek Road. The 10k course is located across the street from the baseball field:

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There is a parking lot and a sign that designates the start of the course:

The 10k course begins by crossing a high desert valley that is interlaced with sporadic pinon and juniper trees:

It was about 6:30 AM when I went for my jog and the sky was overcast which provided some really dramatic sunrise scenery to the East:

As I jogged down the trail I had some really good views of the Bradshaw Mountains and Thumb Butte out in the distance:

You can read more about my hike up Thumb Butte at the below link:

• On Walkabout On: The Thumb Butte Trail

The 10k course than ascends up a hill side that provides some nice views of the neighborhoods on the outskirts of Prescott:

Once on top of the hill the trail then provided some nice views of Granite Mountain before heading back down towards the start of the course:

You can read more about my prior hike up Granite Mountain at the below link:

• On Walkabout On: The Granite Mountain Trail

Conclusion

Despite not running all out and momentarily stopping to take a few pictures I completed the run in 52 minutes on a course with some uneven terrain and an elevation gain of 230 feet.  Back when I was younger the fastest I ever ran this course was in 42 minutes.  If I really pushed myself I know I can still run this course under 50 minutes, but running it in 42 minutes is well beyond my abilities now.  It sucks getting old.  If you are a jogger and are visiting the Prescott area I recommend waking up early and getting a run in over at Pioneer Park.  It is a great trail with even greater views that I enjoy running whenever I am in town.