BOYLE-DeBUSK OPEN SPACE
PRESERVE
Prescott
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| One of three primary trails in the preserve |
If you weren’t looking for
it, you’d probably zip right past this miniscule hiking destination tucked amid
the suburbs 1.5 miles south of downtown Prescott. The Boyle-DeBusk Open Space Preserve is a
project of the Central Arizona Land Trust, a non-profit corporation dedicated
to protecting sensitive western landscapes. The property was donated to the
City of Prescott in 2003 and is now part of the city’s public open space
holdings.
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| Canyon grapes grow wild in the preserve's riparian zone |
Located in the space between expansive national forest land and a community
with tin roof cabins and porches decorated with wood-whittled critters, the
9.7-acre natural area has been enhanced with hiking trails that explore its
ecologically diverse terrain. Three
primary trails---DeBusk, Boyle and Talcott—wander through a woodsy mix of pine,
oak and juniper trees that provide shade along much of the intertwined system. Running
down the middle of the preserve, a gorge with an intermittent stream fosters a
swath of water-loving plants like canyon grapes, wild roses and Scouring Rush
Horsetail plants which look like bamboo.
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| Prescott's Granite Mountain as seen from the trails. |
Experienced hikers will breeze through
this matrix like a knife through butter while trekkers with kids in tow and
those who prefer a leisurely pace to enjoy wildlife and plants could spend
hours here. Although this tiny trail
matrix might not rate as a standalone destination, its proximity to the 54-mile
long Prescott Circle Trail (PCT) makes it a nice add-on exploration. There’s a major PCT trailhead just a mile and
a half farther down White Spar Road.
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| Scouring Rush Horsetail |
LENGTH:
1.2 miles total
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION:
5480’- 5611’
GETTING THERE:
Limberlost Trailhead:
From Courthouse Square in
downtown Prescott, go 1.6 miles south on Montezuma Street (White Spar Road/ State
Route 89) to Limberlost Lane. Turn right and continue 0.1 mile to the trailhead.
Boyle, DeBusk, and Talcott Trailheads:
From Courthouse Square in
downtown Prescott, go 1.5 miles south on Montezuma Street (White Spar Road/ State
Route 89) to Clubhouse Drive, turn right and continue 0.1 mile to the Talcott
Trailhead on the left. To reach more access points, continue another 0.1 mile
on Clubhouse and turn left onto East Hill Circle—there are three trailheads
within 0.1 mile.
Parking is very limited
along the streets. Do not block private drives.
INFO:
Central Arizona Land Trust
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