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Granite Basin Recreation Area
Nestled among pines and boulders of Prescott's iconic Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including: hiking, backpacking, horse riding, non-motorized boating, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about the excellent recreational opportunities in Granite Basin.
Granite Basin Recreation Area Brochure (1.54 MB)
Note: Some sites in this recreation area may close to prevent resource damage following especially heavy snow and when the roads are too icy. If you plan to visit and want to make sure it is open, please contact the Bradshaw Ranger Station: 928-443-8000.
Notice: Visitors are asked to be alert and stay on existing trails when recreating on Granite Mountain as the area recovers from the Doce Fire of 2013. Soil erosion has occurred on portions of the trails, thus exposing more rock, and cross-country travel increases the possibility of encountering rolling rocks, stump and root holes, falling trees, and loose soils from rains.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Day-use sites and trailheads:
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Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:- Balancing Rock Trail #349
- Cayuse Loop
- Clark Spring Trail #40
- Hokaygon Trail #341
- Metate Trailhead
- Mint Wash Connector Trail #352
- Surprise Spring Trail #350
- West Lake Trail #351
Trails in the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area are off limits to bicycles or other mechanized equipment, but cyclists can enjoy many trails in the area.
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:Yavapai Campground accommodates trailers up to 40' in length, but there are no hook-ups.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Granite Basin Lake is a small (5 acre) lake. It is not stocked with fish, but patient anglers may catch bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Balancing Rock Trail #349
- Cayuse Loop
- Clark Spring Trail #40
- Hokaygon Trail #341
- Metate Trailhead
- Mint Wash Connector Trail #352
- Surprise Spring Trail #350
- West Lake Trail #351
Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:- Balancing Rock Trail #349
- Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead
- Cayuse Loop
- Clark Spring Trail #40
- Hokaygon Trail #341
- Mint Wash Connector Trail #352
- West Lake Trail #351
Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead has ample room for trailer parking and turn-around.
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:Visitors may use a boat with an electric motor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:Please see the news release dated August 28, 2020 for more information about swimming in the lakes on the Forest.