| Granite Mountain Wilderness is an easily identifiable landmark located on the outskirts of Prescott. Rugged granite boulders stacked one atop the other to elevations that exceed 7,600 feet, characterize this 9,799-acre wilderness area.The Metate Trailhead in Granite Basin Recreation Area is the primary portal to the wilderness, which has two maintained trails. Granite Mountain Wilderness is the most popular of all the wildernesses in the Prescott National Forest due to its proximity to Prescott, and the unique experience it offers for hiking among huge granite boulders, rock formations, and the outstanding view of the surrounding area.From the summit of Granite Mountain itself visitors can look across the entire city of Prescott, as well as the towns of Chino Valley and Skull Valley. On southern slopes of Granite Mountain a chaparral (a community of plants including shrub live oak, mountain mahogany, manzanita, and lemonade berry bush) landscape dominates, as well as scattered stands of pinyon and juniper.On northern slopes of the mountain, visitors will also find pinyon, juniper, and some pine and oak higher up. Mule deer and javelina inhabit the area, along with an occasional mountain lion, bobcat, badger, fox, skunk, coyote, rabbit, and smaller rodents.Hikers, horseback riders, and hunters may be found at Granite Mountain Wilderness in abundance, primarily on the two main trails. Granite Mountain Trail #261 is easily accessible from Metate Day Use Area in Granite Basin Recreation Area. Granite Mountain Trail #261 leads 4.0 miles to eye-stretching vistas. Tin Trough Springs Trail #308 crosses two miles of the northern section of the area and draws more horse riders than foot traffic. The trail 308 trailhead is located off Williamson Valley Road in Prescott.Visitors to the Wilderness area may enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, camping, and much more. |
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| | | Facilities: There are no facilities within the Wilderness. Nearest picnic, camping, restroom and drinking water facilities are in the Granite Basin Recreation Area. Best Time To Visit: The Wilderness area is open year-round, however spring and fall are the best times to visit. Fees: Day use fees are charged in the Granite Basin Recreation Area for parking. There are no fees charged for the Williamson Valley access. Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible. Rules: Hiking groups are limited to 15 people; equestrian groups to 10 animals. Dogs must be under physical or verbal control at all times. Campfires are prohibited; however, stoves fueled by propane or white gas are permitted. There is no camping within 200 feet of Granite Mountain Trail 261. For rock climbing, maintenance of existing fixed anchors is permitted, but no new anchors are allowed.As with all Wilderness Areas, any mechanized vehicle is prohibited. Access to Granite Mountain Wilderness is limited to foot or horseback. All terrain vehicles, mountain bicycles, trucks, jeeps, etc are prohibited.Directions: Granite Mountain Wilderness Area is located just a few miles northwest of downtown Prescott. To reach Granite Mountain Wilderness Area (Granite Basin Recreation Area access) from the Courthouse in downtown Prescott, take Montezuma Street north. Montezuma will become Whipple Street, and Whipple will become Iron Springs Road. Follow Iron Springs Road to Forest Road 374. Follow it for about 4 miles around Granite Basin Lake to the Metate Day Use Area.To reach Granite Mountain Wilderness Area (Tin Trough Springs Trail #308 access) from the Courthouse in downtown Prescott, take Montezuma Street north. Montezuma will become Whipple Street, and Whipple will become Iron Springs Road. Turn north on Williamson Valley Road and follow it to the trailhead which is on the west side of the road and clearly marked.Map: Click here for a map to Granite Mountain Wilderness Reservations: Unknown | | |
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| | | | | | Address | | Bradshaw Ranger District-Prescott National Forest | | 344 S Cortez St. | | Prescott, Arizona 86303 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 443-8000 | | Fax: (928) 443-8008 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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