We finally made it to the wonderful new Granite Gardens Trail in the Dells on New Year's Day. In 2008 Prescott bought the 35-acre parcel for $3 million. Steep climbs (but doable even for arthritic knees with a walking stick) lead to the broad granite plateaus with some wonderful views -- but, of course, the main attractions are the fanciful granite boulders. Steve was pretty sure he spotted the perfect "Clifford" face in the rocks.
We spotted a number of families with young children on the hike...I'm sure they loved the scramble through the "Grotto" which made me pause...hoping that the giant boulders weren't going to choose that moment to move after a million years...
The trail makes you appreciate all the hard work of The Over The Hill Gang volunteers that did such a great job of reinforcing the path.
The trail is very well marked by signs and in some places white dots on the rocks.
The trail head turn off is just off off Hwy 89, directly across from the American flag on the other side.
A map can be downloaded at the City of Prescott website of trails. The trail is most accessible during dry weather since Granite Creek can often flood the parking.