| The North Thumb Butte Trails (Trails 315, 316, 317, and 318) is a system of trails that equal just over five miles.All trail grades vary in length up to 300 feet, up to 10% grade, width varies from 12-18", cross slope to 5%. The surface of the North Thumb Butte Trails is uneven, loose native material with rocks of varied height up to 12".Watertower Trail #315 is 0.8 miles one way. It passes through an area of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper, and scrub oak. Trail 316A connects this trail with Trail 316. Trail 315 ends at Trail 317.Pine Lakes Trail #316 is 1.5 miles one way. It climbs through a ponderosa pine forest to a ridge, and then descends through pine, oak, and riparian forest along Willow Creek. It has many different wildflowers in season. The trail ends at a gate, but continues beyond Forest Service land into the Pine Lakes residential area. Trail 316A connects this trail with Trail 315.Ridgetop Trail #317 is 1.0 miles one way. It winds through ponderosa pine, scrub oak, and mixed vegetation. The trail climbs to a ridge where it offers scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks and Thumb Butte. The eastern end of the trail is at Trailhead Street in the Forest Trails residential area.West Trail #318 is 1.4 miles (one way). It passes through an area of pinon and ponderosa pine, scrub oak, manzanita, and prickly pear cactus. Although elevation change is minor (200 feet), the trail offers views of the San Francisco Peaks. The western end of the trail is at Forest Road 9401B. Horseback riders may enter at this west end of the trail. The forest road begins 0.9 miles west of the Thumb Butte parking lot.Hikers, horses and mountain bikes are permitted on all of the trails. |
|  | 
| | | Facilities: Paved parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills are provided. Drinking water is available seasonally at picnic area, but not on trail. Best Time To Visit: North Thumb Butte Trails are open year round, but please do not bring horses if the soil is wet. Fees: A parking fee may be charged. Accessibility: North Thumb Butte Trails are not handicap accessible. Rules: No motorized vehicles allowed on the trails. Pets must remain leashed and visitors are asked to clean up after them. Directions: From downtown Prescott travel west on Gurley Street, which becomes Thumb Butte Road. Continue on to Thumb Butte Picnic area (3 miles from courthouse). North Thumb Butte Trails (trailheads) 315 and 316 begin at the loop road on the north side of the parking area. Horses can gain access to the trails from Thumb Butte Road via Forest Road 9401B. Map: Click here for a map to North Thumb Butte Trails Reservations: Reservations are not needed for North Thumb Butte Trails. | | |
| | | |
| | | | | Address | | Prescott National Forest/Bradshaw Ranger District | | 344 S Cortez St | | Prescott, Arizona 86303 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 443-8000 | | TTY: (928) 443-8001 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
|
|
| | | |
|
