Roxy Ann Peak

Stunning views from Oregon's second-largest municipal park.

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 5 km
Ascent: 224 m
Descent: 223 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 873 m
High Point: 1.1 km
Gradient: 6˚

Rising about 2,200 feet above the city of Medford, Roxy Ann Peak in Prescott Park offers stunning views of the Rogue Valley below and a slew of nearby mountains, including Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Ashland, Mt. Thielsen, and more! With such attractive views and easy access from the city, Roxy Ann Peak is a very popular hiking objective, although many people simply drive to the top to take in the views. But you don't have to take the easy way out... tackle this hike instead.

View from Roxy Ann Peak Photo: TheTurducken

Photo from Roxy Ann Peak — Photo: Greg Heil

Description

This 3-mile out-and-back hike climbs a steep 735 vertical feet to the summit. If you don't want to return on the same trail, you can make this into a loop hike with other trails in the network.

The vegetation consists of "an oak/bitterbrush savanna, with blue-blossoming deer brush as an accent in early summer," according to OregonHikers.org. As you climb, you'll "enter a ponderosa pine/manzanita woodland, and soon come to the Roxy Ann Picnic Area."

The trails in this area are a mix of clay-based singletrack (the less popular trails) and graveled paths (the more popular trails). If hiking on a less-popular trail, you'll need to avoid wet weather conditions, as the clay turns into a mucky mess with a little moisture.

While the climb as mapped is quite steep right from the parking lot, the trail tread is overall smooth and nontechnical. Most hikers will easily gain the peak, and you can always make your day easier by driving higher up the mountainside.

Sources: https://www.summitpost.org/roxy-ann-peak/258679 https://www.oregonhikers.org/fieldguide/RoxyAnnPeakLoopHike