Prescott National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the beautiful Arizona region, Prescott National Forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 1.25 million acres, this national forest offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush green valleys, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers.

One of the highlights of Prescott National Forest is its stunning network of hiking trails. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are trails to suit all levels of fitness and interest. Embark on a scenic hike through the Granite Mountain Wilderness, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of towering granite cliffs and expansive vistas. For a more challenging trek, head to the Thumb Butte Trail, where you can conquer the steep ascent to the summit and be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding forest.

If you prefer to explore on wheels, Prescott National Forest also offers an extensive network of mountain biking trails. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through the forest, tackling thrilling descents and exhilarating climbs. The Prescott Circle Trail is a popular choice among mountain bikers, offering a 54-mile loop that takes you through diverse terrains and provides a true taste of the forest's natural beauty.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the forest is dotted with picturesque lakes and streams. Lynx Lake is a serene oasis, perfect for fishing or boating. Cast your line and try your luck at catching some trout, or rent a kayak and paddle along the crystal-clear waters while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding forest.

Prescott National Forest is also home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic elk, elusive mountain lions, and a variety of bird species as you explore the forest's trails and meadows.

Alternative names: Established: 1908 (116 years ago)Elevation: 5361 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°37'0"N, 112°37'1"W

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ArizonaUnited States

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Prescott National Forest Top Attractions

Prescott National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Prescott National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Mingus Mountain, Mingus Lookout Complex, Thumb Butte. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Zoo
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a wildlife park and zoo in Camp Verde, Arizona. It was opened to the public in 2005. Dean Harrison is the owner.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mingus Mountain
Mingus Mountain is a mountain located in the U.S. state of Arizona in the Black Hills mountain range. It is located within the Prescott National Forest traversed by State Route 89A approximately midway between Cottonwood and Prescott.
Tower
Mingus Lookout Complex
Mingus Lookout Complex is a fire tower lookout complex atop Mingus Mountain in Prescott National Forest, in Arizona. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The fire tower is a 60 feet Pacific Coast Steel tower built in 1935. It replaced a 41 feet wooden tower.

34°33'10"N • 112°31'8"W
Thumb Butte
Park
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Union
Mount Union is a mountain located in the Prescott National Forest in central Yavapai County, Arizona. The mountain's summit is the highest point of the Bradshaw Mountains, and of Yavapai County. Mount Union is flanked to the northeast by Mount Davis.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake, Arizona, is a 55-acre reservoir located within Prescott National Forest, approximately 5 miles east of Prescott, Arizona, in the Bradshaw Mountains. The lake is located at 5,530 feet elevation and is stocked for fishing. It is one of the most popular recreation areas in central Arizona.
Nature • Natural attraction • Valley
Lonesome Valley
Lonesome Valley is a 23-mile long valley located in central-north Yavapai County, Arizona; the valley is an extension southeastwards from Chino Valley, the location of the Big Chino Wash, which becomes the Verde River at Paulden, Arizona; Paulden is located at the northwest terminus of Lonesome Valley.
Bridge
Perkinsville Bridge
The Perkinsville Bridge over the Verde River was established in 1936 when it was moved from the San Carlos Indian Reservation over the Gila River.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Bradshaw Mountains
The Bradshaw Mountains are a mountain range in central Arizona, United States, named for brothers Isaac and William D. Bradshaw after their deaths, having been formerly known in English as the Silver Mountain Range.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Santa Maria Mountains
The Santa Maria Mountains are a 16-mi long mountain range in central-northwest Arizona, and in northwest Yavapai County. The range lies in a region of mesas and mountain ranges in the northwest of Arizona's transition zone.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Horsethief Basin Lake
Horsethief Basin Lake is a reservoir in the Bradshaw Mountains and the Prescott National Forest, in central Arizona, United States. It is located near Crown King in eastern Yavapai County. Fish species present include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Muskie.
Dam
Granite Basin Lake
Granite Basin Lake is a reservoir located near Prescott, in Yavapai County, North Central Arizona. It is in the Prescott National Forest, adjacent to the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area.
34°12'22"N • 112°20'28"W
Crown King Ranger Station
The Crown King Ranger Station is a ranger station near the top of Crown King Mountain in the area of Crown King, Arizona. It was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
34°21'7"N • 111°58'8"W
Sycamore Ranger Station
Sycamore Ranger Station, also known as Sycamore Work Center and as Sycamore Administrative Site, in Prescott National Forest near Camp Verde, Arizona was built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
34°55'28"N • 112°50'24"W
Walnut Creek Ranger Station
Walnut Creek Ranger Station, also known as Walnut Creek Work Center, in Prescott National Forest near Prescott, Arizona was built in 1931 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Day trips

Prescott National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Prescott National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Smoki Museum (Prescott), Findlay Toyota Center (Prescott Valley), Montezuma Well (Montezuma Castle National Monument).

10 milesSE
Museum, History museum
Smoki Museum, Prescott
Nestled in the heart of Prescott, Arizona, the Smoki Museum is a cultural treasure trove dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and art of Native American peoples, particularly the indigenous cultures of the Southwest.
16 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport venue
Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley
The Findlay Toyota Center is a 5,100-seat multi-purpose arena located at 3201 North Main Street in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
49 milesE
Monuments and statues, National park, Park
Montezuma Well, Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Well, a detached unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument, is a natural limestone sinkhole near the town of Lake Montezuma, Arizona, through which some 1,500,000 US gallons of water emerge each day from an underground spring. It is located about 11 miles northeast of Montezuma Castle.
34 milesE
Nature and wildlife tours, Rail tours, Scenic railroads
Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a heritage railroad running between Clarkdale and Perkinsville in the U.S. state of Arizona. The passenger excursion line operates on 20 miles of tracks of the Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, a shortline.
44 milesE
State park, Historical place, Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park in the town of Camp Verde, Arizona is a small park that attempts to preserve parts of the Apache Wars-era fort as it appeared in the 1880s.