Prescott National Forest Guide
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Prescott National Forest offers over 1.25 million acres of land that spans across elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. The forest was established in 1898 as the Prescott Forest Reserve. Initially, it covered only 16 sections of land near Prescott. Over the years, the forest expanded, eventually reaching Granite Mountain in the north and, in the south, Black Canyon City. In 1908 the Prescott Forest Reserve merged with the Verde National Forest and was renamed Prescott National Forest. Encompassing everything from desert to mountains, Prescott offers something for every traveler while preserving the stunning natural resources of the area.
RV Rentals Near Prescott National Forest
Prescott National Forest Hiking Trails
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Baby Granite Loop
This loop trail is composed of three connected trails winding through the Granite Mountain Wilderness. This loop takes hikers from gently sloping grasslands to massive granite formations.
Length: 10.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Ponderosa Trail #382
Ponderosa Trail #382 is an in and out trail that leads hikers through a forest of pine trees alongside a scenic little creek.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Surprise Spring Trail #350
Located within the Granite Basin Recreation Area, this heavily used trail takes visitors on a gentle trip through the Basin. Beginning with a walk through the ponderosa pines, hikers will move onto a rocky landscape with excellent views of Granite Mountain. This trail can be used by both hikers and mountain bikers.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Balancing Rock Trail
Open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the Balancing Rock Trail takes visitors on a wandering journey through a forest of pines studded with granite boulders. Some sections wander near small babbling creeks, and as you hike up the trail a bit more, you will enjoy stunning vistas of Granite Mountain.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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West Lake Trail #351
This trail starts from the Cayuse Equestrian trailhead and leads hikers through a forested area filled with large ponderosa pines and alligator juniper. The trail intersects several times with a creek. Usually dry, the creek bed itself is lined with dense vegetation.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Almosta Trail #622
Located just a half-mile from downtown Prescott, Arizona, the Almosta Trail #622 takes hikers on a trip through gently rolling fields and across hillsides dotted with juniper, pinyon pines, and scrub jays. This hike also offers stunning views of Baby Granite and Granite Mountain.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Prescott National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
With a wide variety of natural landscapes that transition from dry, rocky desert to pine-covered mountainside forests, a diverse array of plant and animal life are happy to call Prescott National Forest home. From the ponderosa pine forests near the base to the fir trees at the top, the Bradshaw Mountains offer an abundance of unique plants and wildlife for visitors to enjoy. Take a quiet stroll along some of the trails, and you might be lucky enough to catch sight of deer, coyote, fox, or javelina. Visitors are encouraged to use caution when hiking through the area as some of the wildlife can be dangerous if provoked.
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Fishing
Offering visiting anglers four lakes and eight Verde River access sites, Prescott National Forest is the perfect place to drop a line and test your fishing skills. If you’re looking for some lake fishing, cast your line at Lynx Lake. You might catch some trout, bass, or crappie. The Verde River features warmer waters where catfish and sunfish are plentiful. Those fishing the Verde during cooler months might even catch some rainbow trout.
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Geocaching
While visitors participate in geocaching within Prescott National Forest, there are no official geocaching site maps to explore. If you engage in geocaching within the forest boundaries, please don’t disturb the native plant life or dig a hole to hide your cache. Instead, leave your items tucked safely behind a tree or under a bush.
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Nature Watching
Encompassing a wide variety of landscapes, from mountain lakes and streams to the desert floor, Prescott National Forest offers visitors the opportunity to witness nature in many different forms during a single visit. Bird-watchers might be lucky enough to spot a bald eagle soaring over the trees. Hikers may spy deer running through mountain meadows or a snake winding its way across the desert floor.
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Stargazing
Most of Prescott National Forest is open 24 hours a day, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. Taking a scenic drive through the forest will take you away from the light pollution of the towns and leave the sky wide open atop the valleys below. Stop at a roadside turn out and enjoy looking at the galaxy the way our ancestors did thousands of years ago.
How to get to Prescott National Forest
Address: Prescott, AZ 86301
Fee: Entry fee (one-day vehicle pass) $5.0
Fee: Entry fee (four-month vehicle pass) $20.0
Fee: Entry fee (annual vehicle pass) $40.0
From the desert floor painted with cactus and boulders to the pine trees and sparkling lakes near the mountain tops, Prescott National Forest is the perfect stop on your RV trip through the Southwest. With so much to explore, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to experience everything Prescott National Forest has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prescott National Forest
What is the best time to visit Prescott National Forest?
September and October are great times to visit Prescott National Forest! The summer adventurers are gone and the weather is mild so you can still get outdoors to hike, bike, and more.
What is the closest town to Prescott National Forest?
The closest town to Prescott National Forest is Prescott, Arizona. There are campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and plenty to do in Prescott when you need to head to town.
What type of wildlife lives in Prescott National Forest?
Prescott National Forest is home to pronghorn, deer, bear, mountain lions, javelina, bobcats, and tassel-eared squirrels. Visitors may also spot bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of other birds.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Prescott National Forest?
You can kayak and canoe in Prescott National Forest. Lynx Lake and the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area both allow non-motorized boats. The Verde River is another great canoeing and kayaking option.
Is Prescott National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Prescott National Forest is open year-round. While the developed campgrounds close for the winter, day-use areas and trails are able to be used all year.
