Outdoor Science and Learning

The Prescott National Forest offers many types of educational experiences and resources for students, teachers, parents, and "kids" of ALL ages.  From the accessible nature trail at historic Groom Creek Schoolhouse, to programs at the Highlands Center for Natural History and the Walnut Creek Center for Education & Research, to learning skills hands-on by participating in a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities--people can learn a lot from the forest!

Viewing Wildlife

Patient photographers and bird-watchers may catch a glimpse of a peregrine falcon, painted redstart, or spotted towhee. Hunters have opportunities to pursue mule deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, mountain lion, and turkeys.  Hikers and campers may cross paths with javelina, bobcats, king snakes, and tassel-eared squirrels.  Anglers at local lakes share the water and fish with bald eagles, ospreys, and many different waterfowl. This wide array of wildlife occurs within the unique transition of plants influenced by the soils, geology and climate of the forest’s mountains and valleys.

Viewing Plants

The unique transition of plants found here is influenced by the soils, geology and climate of the forest’s mountains and valleys.  Follow the links below to find sites with an emphasis on plant research and interpretation.  There are also a couple of scenic drives with elevation changes that take visitors from the desert to the pines and everything inbetween.  

Viewing Scenery

You will be hardpressed to find any part of the Prescott National Forest that is not "scenic," but, rather than list every site, below you'll find links to sites where interpretation is emphasized.  From panoramic vistas to narrow canyons, lakes, and rivers; beauty and inspiring scenery can be found throughout the forest!

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Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (9)

Viewing Plants (6)

Viewing Scenery (7)

Viewing Wildlife (7)

Visitor Centers (4)

Visitor Programs (5)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 11 results

Beasley Flat Picnic Site

The Verde River is the only river in Arizona with a Wild and Scenic designation. Beasley Flat is the beginning of the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River.  It is also the most popular…

Bradshaw Ranger District

The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, have long been known for being one of the most mineralized mountain ranges in the world. As early as the mid-1800's, mining first brought settlers…

Chino Valley Ranger District

Nestled comfortably in the mountains of Central Arizona at an elevation ranging 3,000 to 8,000 feet, Chino Valley is located about 20 miles north of Prescott and 2 hours northwest of Phoenix. In…

Clarkdale Area

The Verde Canyon Railroad scenic tour begins and ends in the Town of Clarkdale.  Sob Canyon Trail is in this area. 

Groom Creek Schoolhouse Group Picnic Site

Built in 1902, this historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area may be reserved in advance for groups of up to 50 people. Visitors without reservations may utilize outdoor accommodations when…

Highlands Center for Natural History

The Highlands Center for Natural History is a non-profit nature-based education organization that operates under a Special Use Permit from the Prescott National Forest.  Its 80-acre campus lies…

Lynx Lake - North Shore Picnic Site

At 55-acres, Lynx Lake is the largest--and busiest--lake on the Prescott National Forest.  Lynx Lake North Shore Day-use Area provides lake-side recreation, fishing, picnic tables and grills, a…

Thumb Butte Picnic Site

The most distinguishing landmark in Prescott, AZ, Thumb Butte is famous for its towering ponderosa pines, picnic facilities, and access to world-class hiking trails--all just minutes from…

Verde Canyon Railroad

The world renowned Verde Canyon Railroad takes visitors back in time as it winds along the banks of the Verde River and passes through stunning red rock canyons on the border of the Prescott and…

Verde Ranger District

Located near the geographic center of Arizona, the Verde Ranger District is accessible to visitors from all over the state. Drop a fishing line into the Verde River at one of eight day-use access…