Commencement 2008 — Dining and Recreation

All official Northcentral University Commencement 2008 events will be held in the scenic downtown area of Prescott, Arizona, located about two hours north of Phoenix.

About Prescott

Located in the mountains of north central Arizona, the City borders the Prescott National Forest to the south and west. The original Territorial Capital of Arizona and long a center of mining, ranching and timber idustries, Prescott lays claim to the "World's Oldest Rodeo" and features a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown. The area's splendid four-season climate has made it a tourist draw since the days when visitors arrived by train, wagon and horseback.

Outdoor Activities

The Prescott National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Over 450 miles of recreational trails wind through the Prescott National Forest. Hiking destinations close to town include Thumb Butte Park and Granite Mountain. National Forests in northern Arizona include the Coconino and Kaibab.

The Prescott National Forest is guardian of more than 100,000 acres of wilderness represented by 8 wilderness areas. While there are numerous trails to choose from, here are a few of our favorites. All are within a 20-minute drive of downtown Prescott, Arizona.

Of the wilderness areas in the Prescott National Forest, Granite Mountain Wilderness is the most popular because it is only 20 minutes from Prescott by paved road. Please be aware that springtime in north-central Arizona is warm and dry. At 5,320 above sea level, Prescott is known as the Mile High City.

Little Granite Mountain—trail 37
Permitted Uses: hiking, bicycling, horseback riding
Difficulty: moderate
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours

This trail provides spectacular panoramic views of Skull Valley, Prescott, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the western end of the Sierra Prietas. For a loop hike, drop a car at Granite Basin Lake. Take trail 37 from Iron Springs trailhead to the Clark Spring Trail turnoff, which takes you to the lake. There is a day-use fee of $2.00 per vehicle

From downtown Prescott head north on Montezuma, which will turn into Whipple Street. Follow Whipple to Miller Valley, Willow Creek, and Iron Springs road intersection. You will continue straight on Iron Springs road 6.2 miles. The trailhead is 3.2 miles west of the turnoff to Granite Basin Lake.

Peavine Railway Trail
Permitted Uses: hiking, bicycling, horseback riding
Difficulty: easy
Hiking Time: 1-3 hours

This is one of the few Rails-to-Trails projects in Arizona. There are outstanding views of Watson Lake and Granite Dells, as well as wildlife viewing. This four-mile trail that was originally built by the Santa Fe Railway in 1893. The Peavine connects with the Iron King Trail for another four-mile trek along more railroad bed.

From downtown Prescott head east on E. Gurley/Hwy 69, and north on Hwy 89 to Prescott Lakes Parkway, then left on Sundog Ranch Road. Parking on left. No fee.

Thumb Butte—trail 33
Permitted Uses: hiking
Difficulty: moderate
Hiking Time: 1 hour
This Prescott landmark is one of the most popular hiking areas; located just three miles west of downtown Prescott.

Head west on Gurley Street 2.5 miles to Thumb Butte Road. Continue northwest for 1.5 miles to the recreation site and parking area. There is a day-use fee of $2.00 per vehicle. The 1.75-mile loop trail is paved and a bit steep at the start, but the views from the top are worth it.

Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Mild weather, the cool ponderosa pine forest, a serene 55-acre lake, trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archaeological sites, and bird-watching are some of the highlights of Lynx Lake.

From Interstate 17, travel west on State Route 69 toward Prescott. Turn left on Walker Road and follow signs to Lynx Lake.

User Fees:
A $2 daily parking fee is charged at all developed day-use sites. Wednesdays are always free. No parking fees are charged on any Wednesday.

For more Hiking, Outdoor Recreation information:
Prescott National Forest
344 South Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
928-443-8000
www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/index.shtml

Prescott Activitites and Attractions

For additional information about Prescott’s history and area attractions, please visit:
http://www.visit-prescott.com/ or Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

Shopping, dining and entertainment are plentiful along Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott. Prescott's Courthouse Plaza is the pivot around which the town was designed and built. Today quaint boutiques, fantastic restaurants and an eclectic array of galleries featuring local, regional and national artists surround this famous landmark.

Prescott Museums

Sharlot Hall Museum
http://sharlot.org/index.shtml
415 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
928.445.3122
Admission: $5 adults; Under 18 free

Phippen Museum
www.phippenartmuseum.org
4701 Highway 89 North
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928)778-1385

Smoki Museum
www.smokimuseum.org
147 N. Arizona Ave.
Prescott AZ 86301
928-445-1230

Area Activities

Bronzesmith Fine Art Gallery & Foundry
7331 E. Second St.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
(928) 772-2378 or 866-772-0378
http://www.bronzesmith.com
Bronzesmith casts and sells award-winning sculpture created by many of the nation's most respected artists. The Foundry staff give tours to the public, demonstrating the steps involved in the bronze casting process. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings guests can witness the excitement of a bronze pour (by appointment).
Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri., 9:00 am-4:00 pm.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott
928-778-4242
http://www.heritageparkzoo.org
Open year round

Prescott Gateway Mall
3250 Gateway Blvd, Prescott
928-443-067
www.westcor.com

Bucky's Casino
1500 East Highway 69
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-541-0453
www.buckyscasino.com
Bucky’s is located directly across Hwy 69 from the Prescott Resort. Shuttles from the resort to Bucky’s are available.

Prescott Golf Courses

Prescott is well known as a popular golf destination, drawing thousands of golf enthusiasts each year. In Northern Arizona, the Prescott area has 90 cool holes of golf. Each golf course in Prescott offers challenging, varied terrain including rolling hills, tree-lined fairways and granite outcroppings. The game is made even more pleasant by the sweeping vistas surrounding the courses.

Enjoy panoramic views in Prescott of the Granite Dells and Mogollon Rim at Antelope Hills Golf Course, boasting two challenging, par 72 courses designed by Gary Panks (South Course) and Lawrence Hughes (North Course), or be in the lap of luxury at Prescott Lakes Golf and Country Club's newly renovated facilities.

Antelope Hills Golf Course
1 Perkins Drive, Prescott, AZ
800-972-6818
www.antelopehillsgolf.com
Considered one of Arizona's best affordable golf courses. Antelope Hills is an upscale 36 hole municipal facility including a restaurant, full-line golf shop and natural grass driving range.

Prescott Golf & Country Club
(928) 775-3941
1030 Prescott Country Club Blvd. Dewey, AZ 86327
www.prescottgolf.com

Prescott Lakes Golf Club
315 East Smoke Tree Lane, Prescott
928-443-3500
www.prescottlakes.com
Prescott Lakes Golf Club is the premier golf experience in Northern Arizona. Soon to become a completely private club, there is still time to play this spectacular course while visiting the high country.

StoneRidge Golf Course
1601 North Bluff Top Road, Prescott Valley
928-772-6500
www.stoneridgegolf.com
Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, StoneRidge Golf Course offers players scenic views and more than 350 feet of dramatic elevation changes from the highest tee to the lowest green. The 7,034-yard, par 72 daily fee course is carved out of the spectacular stone ridges and boulder outcroppings of Prescott Valley.

Talking Rock
Sales Office (877) 922-4440
www.talkingrock.info
Private, luxury golf community near Inscription Canyon with an 18-hole, championship Jay Morrish designed course and state of the art practice facility. Located just 12 miles outside of Prescott, Arizona and in the shadow of Granite Mountain.

Regional Destinations/Activities

South Rim, Grand Canyon
Approximately a 3+ hour drive from Prescott. Located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via Route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via Route 180).

The entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park is $25 per private vehicle. The fee for an individual entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or non-commercial group is $12.00 per person. Admission is for seven days and includes both the North Rim and South Rim. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.

Reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When making reservations, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting. Camping fees are in addition to entrance fees, and are charged per night. Campsite reservations fill up fast; make reservations as far in advance as you can.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the canyon rim is an additional 14 miles south. The road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is subject to closure due to snow from mid-October to mid-May.

The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level and the North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Sedona
A destination for hiking, shopping and sightseeing. Approximately a 1.5 hr. drive from Prescott. North on Hwy 89-A or I-17.
www.visitsedona.com/

Flagstaff
Approximately a 2 hour drive from Prescott. North on I 17.
www.flagstaffarizona.org/

Tuzigoot National Monument
www.nps.gov/tuzi/
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
Visitor Information: (928) 634-5564
Headquarters: (928) 567-5276
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Verde Valley while learning the history of the Native American cultures in this area.

Montezuma Castle National Monument
www.nps.gov/moca
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Visitor Information: 928-567-3322
Headquarters : 928-567-5276
Gaze through the windows of the past into one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a 1,000 year-old story of ingenuity and survival in an unforgiving desert landscape.
Entrance Fees
Adults (16 and over): $5.00 (good for seven days)
Children (under 16): FREE

(Passes are available at a discounted rate of $8.00 for both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. If you are planning on visiting both parks, ask for this discounted pass when you purchase your entrance fee at either park.)

Arcosanti
2 miles east of Cordes Junction (I 17/Hwy 69)
928-632-7135
www.arcosanti.org
Paolo Soleri's urban design laboratory. Architectural tours 10-4, bakery, café, overnight and conference facilities, hiking, Soleri windbells, concert season, resident arts. Open 9-5 daily.