North Thumb Butte Trails #315, #316, #317 & #318
This network of trails serves the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. The trails can be combined in different ways to create loops of varying lengths. The trails weave across a landscape of rolling hills and granite outcrops, passing through a variety of vegetation communities.
- Watertower Trail #315 is 0.8 miles long. It passes through an area of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper, and scrub oak. Trail #315 ends at Trail #317.
- Pine Lakes Trail #316 is 1.5 miles long. It climbs through ponderosa pine forest to a ridge, then descends through pine, oak, and riparian forest along Willow Creek. It has many different wildflowers in season. Trail #316 ends at its northern junction with Trail #317.
- Ridgetop Trail #317 is 1.9 miles long. It winds through ponderosa pine and scrub oak. 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 long. It passes through an area of pinyon and ponderosa pine, scrub oak, manzanita, and prickly pear cactus. Although elevation change is minor, the trail offers views of the San Francisco Peaks. The western end of the trail is at the junction with Circle Trail #332.
These trails are open to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikes. Horses, however, are not permitted in the picnic area and riders must access these trails by way of FR 9401B, located 0.9 miles west of the Thumb Butte area parking lot. Drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables and grills are available seasonally at the Thumb Butte Picnic Area. Dogs must be on leashes. Please clean up after your pets.
Printable Resources:
-
Trail Description and Map (667 KB; Black and White; 8.5” X 11”)
- Thumb Butte Brochure (2.67 MB; Color; 8.5” X 17”)
- Thumb Butte Trails and Area Map (1.41 MB; 8.5” X 11”)
At a Glance
Fees: |
|
---|---|
Open Season: | Year Round |
Usage: | Heavy |
Closest Towns: | Approximately 10 minutes from Prescott, AZ |
Water: | Water available seasonally at the Thumb Butte Picnic Area. Surface water should be treated. |
General Information
Directions:From downtown Prescott, travel west on Gurley Street (becomes Thumb Butte Road) for 3.4 miles to the Thumb Butte Picnic Area, on the right. Road conditions are paved.
General Notes:
-
Maps:
- USGS Map: 7.5’ quad for Iron Springs
- Prescott National Forest Map, west half
- Average hiking time: varies
Activities
Mountain Biking
- This network of trails serves the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. The trails can be combined to create loops of varying lengths.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
---|
Day Hiking
- This network of trails serves the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. The trails can be combined to create loops of varying lengths.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
---|
Horse Riding
- This network of trails serves the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. The trails can be combined to create loops of varying lengths.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
---|