Roxy Ann Peak - It's All About the Views!

Trail Report: Roxy Ann Peak — Prescott Park, Medford, Oregon

Length: About 3-5 miles, depending on the route

Elevation Gain: ~682 feet

Type: Out‑and‑back or loop

Estimated Time: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on route and pace

From my backyard — and honestly from my whole neighbourhood — Roxy Ann dominates the eastern skyline. The peak stands at 3,576 feet and overlooks the entire Rogue Valley, from the Table Rocks all the way down toward California. On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Shasta from the main viewpoint.

Before you even hit the trail, let’s talk about the drive. There are no guard rails, and the drop‑offs are serious. You’ll also meet quarry trucks going up and down, so stick to the posted 15 mph. It’s not a road you want to rush.

Roxy Ann sits inside Prescott Park, named for George J. Prescott, who died in the line of duty in 1933. There’s a memorial plaque for him at the picnic area. I parked at the second lot — the first one is more of a drive‑up viewpoint if you just want scenery without hiking. Keep in mind the park closes at 9 p.m., so sunset chasers should plan accordingly.

From the second lot, you’ve got two ways to reach the main trail. Head right for the Oak Trail, which connects to the Ponderosa Trail, or go left along the Loop Road to reach the Ponderosa Trail from the picnic area. I chose the Loop Road this time because I wanted to check out the picnic area. The road is dirt, exposed, and hot on sunny days — bring sunglasses, a hat, or even an umbrella hat, plus sunblock.

You’ll pass dog‑bag stations along the way. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed — and there’s plenty out here to tempt them off trail.

The views start early. Even before the picnic area, there’s a bench overlooking the valley. I always stop at these benches. I’m hiking for the experience, not the speed.

Just past that bench is the Roxy Ann Picnic Area and the Prescott memorial plaque. Off to the left is a split‑rail fence — go take a look. Behind it is a rock‑lined basin with stairs on both sides. It looks like it might have been a pond or water source, but it’s almost certainly a CCC or WPA structure from the 1930s–40s. No one seems to know its exact purpose. The picnic area itself has three tables set on flagstones. One table has an extended end that looks wheelchair‑friendly, though the uneven stones might make access tricky.

Across the road and slightly uphill is the Ponderosa Trail. This is your route to the peak. The trail is well‑maintained with packed fine gravel.

Not far up, there’s a spur to the left leading to an older picnic site with a stone barbecue — same vintage as the basin. It looks like it hasn’t been used in a long time and would need a serious cleanup.

A little farther on, another bench sits along a short detour. Take the detour. The views and cloud‑watching are worth it.

After a switchback, you’ll hit another bench with another expanding view. The higher you climb, the bigger the valley becomes. This trail is all about the scenery.

One more bench after that, and the trail comes close to Tower Road. Don’t take the road yet. Stay right until you see a spur trail heading off to the right. Follow it to a picnic bench with fantastic northwest views of the Rogue Valley. It’s quieter than the main viewpoint, so you can enjoy it longer.

Head back to the Ponderosa Trail and continue to Tower Road. Go right toward the cell towers, pass them, and you’ll find another picnic table and a shaded path leading down to der Höhepunkt der Wanderung. At the end is a bench and a jaw‑dropping view. On clear days you can see Mt. Shasta to the south, Table Rocks to the north, and the mountains beyond. It’s popular — only 20 minutes from downtown — so expect company. I had hikers stacking up behind me, so I didn’t linger too long.

On the way down, I took Tower Road and connected with the Loop Road to make it a loop. Good choice. Along the way I spotted a sign for the North Roxy Overlook, which AllTrails doesn’t mention. Curiosity won. The trail leads left to stone steps, a covered bench, and another viewpoint — this one looking straight at Upper and Lower Table Rock and the mountains beyond. It’s quieter than the main viewpoints, so I stayed a while before heading back. Eventually I figured my wife would start wondering where I’d gone, so I wrapped it up and returned to the parking lot.

Medford has some excellent trails with views in every direction, and this one is easily among the best. If you haven’t hiked Roxy Ann yet, do yourself a favour and check it out.