Biking
Nearly 450 miles of scenic trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horse riders on the Prescott National Forest. Central Arizona's mild climate allows most trails to be enjoyed year-round.
E-Biking
Prescott National Forest has nearly 400 miles of motorized trails and 1200 miles of Forest Road that allow use of e-bikes. E-bikes are not allowed on the Forest's non-motorized trails (including the Prescott Circle Trail).
Educational Video about Ebikes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS2DoHw8k0o&feature=youtu.be
Motorized Trails
Prescott National Forest has nearly 400 miles of trails designed for motorized travel. Two day-use sites offer open areas to ride and there are challenging trails for everyone from beginners to expert riders. Alto Pit OHV Campground is located within an open ride area surrounded by trails designed for off-road enthusiasts. Of the 1300 miles of road on the forest, over 1200 miles are open to off-highway vehicles.
Travel Management Rule and Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
The Travel Management Rule (TMR) was implemented on Prescott NF in 2009. TMR is a federal rule that requires all national forests and grasslands to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas for motorized use, and to prohibit all motor vehicle use off the designated system. Travel Management balances the public's enjoyment of motorized travel while caring for the land and its natural resources.
- Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) that indicate what roads, trails, and areas are open to motor vehicle travel are available at each district office and online. It is your responsibility to ensure you are driving on an open road or trail or within and open area, and the free MVUM will provide you with this information. Follow the link above to download a copy.
USFS Classification of E-bikes Under the Travel Management Rule (TMR)
The USFS Travel Management Rule provides the basis for current e-bike policy, and is summarized in the following bullet points:
- E-bikes are motorized bicycles.
- E-bikes are growing in popularity, and their design and capabilities are rapidly changing.
- E-bikes travel at speeds of 20 to 28 mph, compared to pedestrians and non- motorized bicycles, which typically travel at speeds ranging from 3 to 10 mph.
- The TMR defines “motor vehicle” as “any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than (1) a vehicle operated on rails; and (2) any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.” 36 CFR 212.1.
- This definition is consistent with the definition for a “wheelchair” in federal wilderness in section 508(c)(2) of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).
- E-bikes do not meet either exception to the definition of a motor vehicle in the TMR. Under the TMR, e-bikes may be ridden where motor vehicles are allowed, including on National Forest System (NFS) roads open to all vehicles; NFS trails open to all vehicles; NFS trails open to vehicles 50 inches or less; NFS trails open to motorcycles only; and NFS trails open to e-bikes as a special designation.
- Consistent with 36 CFR 212.1, the Forest Service is managing e-bikes as motor vehicles.
- The International Mountain Bike Association regards e-bikes as motorized devices.
- The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration, and the nations of Canada, Australia, Europe, and South Africa regard e-bikes as motor vehicles.
- The Forest Service is monitoring new technologies, visitor access and safety, social and sustainability issues, and natural resource effects associated with e- bike use on NFS roads and NFS trails.
- The Forest Service will use the information obtained from monitoring to reassess and, if needed, adjust guidance for designating the use of e-bikes on NFS roads and NFS trails.
Mountain Biking
Nearly 450 miles of scenic trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horse riders on the Prescott National Forest. The forest also contains one National Recreation Trail (Granite Mountain Trail) and one National Historic Study Trail (General Crook Trail). Central Arizona's mild climate allows most trails to be enjoyed year-round.
Trails built with mountain bikers in mind:
- Spence Basin Trails System
- Homestead Trail #305 (7 miles)
- Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 (2 miles)
Search for Biking Opportunities
Granite Mountain via Williamson Valley Road
Grief Hill Day Use Area / Trailhead
Higher Learning #552
Horsethief Basin
Iron Springs
Iron Springs Trailhead
Iron Springs/Jerome Canyon
Juniper Mountains
Little Granite Trailhead / Day Use Area
Lynx Lake Recreation Area