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 to this part of Arizona. The Bradshaw Ranger District encompasses the Bradshaw Range and extends beyond it, surrounding the city of Prescott.
The Bradshaws offer cool relief from the desert below, with numerous developed and dispersed recreation opportunities available. Mount Union, in the Bradshaws, is the highest elevation on the forest, at nearly 8,000 feet. From 7,000 to 8,000 foot elevation along the Bradshaw Range, the vegetation changes from pure forests of ponderosa pine to mixed conifer forests of Douglas-fir and white fir. The weather throughout the Bradshaw District is moderate, with daytime temperatures averaging 50 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in summer. Recreation opportunities abound throughout all seasons.


Granite Mountain Wilderness, the forest's only "urban" wilderness, is located just a few short miles from Prescott. Other scenic attractions include Thumb Butte, Lynx Lake and the Thumb Butte Loop, as well as drives to Palace Station and Crown King. For more information, please contact the Bradshaw Ranger District.

Map sales, free motor vehicle use maps, recreation opportunity guides, wood cutting permits, and information.

At a Glance

Closest Towns: Prescott, AZ

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Bradshaw Ranger District

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Bradshaw Ranger District

Rock Climbing

Areas for Rock Climbing at Bradshaw Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Bradshaw Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Bradshaw Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Bradshaw Ranger District

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Bradshaw Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Bradshaw Ranger District

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Bradshaw Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Bradshaw Ranger District

OHV Camping

Areas for OHV Camping at Bradshaw Ranger District

OHV Open Area Riding

Areas for OHV Open Area Riding at Bradshaw Ranger District

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Bradshaw Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Bradshaw Ranger District

Visitor Programs

Areas for Visitor Programs at Bradshaw Ranger District

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Bradshaw Ranger District

Visitor Centers

Areas for Visitor Centers at Bradshaw Ranger District

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Bradshaw Ranger District

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Bradshaw Ranger District

Gold Panning

Areas for Gold Panning at Bradshaw Ranger District

Rockhounding

Fossil Collecting

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Bradshaw Ranger District

Boating - Motorized

On Granite Basin Lake, visitors may use a boat with an electric motor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  On Lynx Lake, boats are allowed to use a single electric motor or single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  On Horsethief Lake, only non-motorized boating is allowed.

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Bradshaw Ranger District

Boating - Non-Motorized

Non-motorized boating is allowed at Horsethief Lake. On Granite Basin Lake, visitors may use non-motorized craft or a boat with an electric motor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.  On Lynx Lake, visitors may use non-motorized craft or boats with a single electric motor or single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Bradshaw Ranger District

Alerts & Warnings

View All Forest Alerts