Picnicking, Camping and Rental Cabins
With its mild climate, the Prescott National Forest is a lovely place for a picnic! There are 20 day-use sites with picnic facilities — most near water or in the mountains. Two picnic sites accommodate large groups and are available by reservation. During the summer the mountain air beckons desert dwellers to cool off among the tall pines. The Prescott has 11 family campgrounds including one for equestrians and another for offroad enthusiasts, and four group campgrounds. Dispersed camping (camping outside of developed campgrounds, with no amenities such as toilets or trash receptacles) is allowed on many parts of the forest, but is restricted to designated sites in the more popular areas including the Prescott Basin. Two historic ranger stations are part of the Forest Service’s Rooms with a View cabin rental program. Each provides solitude with modern amenities for cooking and comfortably enjoying a get-away off the beaten track. Prescott Recreation Services Department
The city’s Recreation Services Department offers an array of opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation, as well as facilities designed for a number of activities. The department oversees a host of public parks and lakes, which are equipped with multi-purpose trails, picnic sites, tennis, basketball, bocce ball, disc golf and volleyball courts, playground equipment, a skate park, fishing, boating, camping and baseball, softball, football and soccer fields. | Trails & Wilderness Areas
An extensive system of trails is valued by community members and visitors alike. Trail user groups have been instrumental in developing and maintaining excellent trails for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and off-road enthusiasts. Mild climate allows the trails Biking Prescott
The Prescott area is a very popular destination for mountain and road bikers enjoying hundreds of miles of diverse terrain, with trails for all levels of riders from beginners to pro! Prescott offers events such as Duathalons, 12- hour and endurance mountain biking events. Road bikers will also enjoy the Skull Valley Loop challenge event in the fall. In 2017, the 14th Annual Whiskey Row Off-Road mountain bike competition attracted 2,000 bikers with a $30,000 cash purse for the pro rider winners. For 2018, it will be a $100,000 split for pro riders across the entire Off- Road Series (Whiskey Off-Road, Grand Junction Off-Road, Carson City Off-Road and Oz Trails Off- Road). Trail maps are available at the Visitor Information Center. Ride the Prescott | Motorized Trails
Motorized Trails: The Prescott National Forest has nearly 400 miles of trails designed for motorized travel. Two day-use sites offer open areas to ride, challenging trails for beginners to expert riders, and one campground is specifically for use of off-road enthusiasts. Of the 1300 miles of road on the forest, over 1200 miles are open to off-highway vehicles. Nonmotorized Trails: The Prescott offers outstanding opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians with nearly 850 miles of scenic trails — 450 of which are open to cyclists—and contains portions of the Prescott Circle Trail, a 50-mile loop around the City of Prescott. If a backcountry experience is your pleasure, there are eight Wilderness Areas totaling more than 100,000 acres located entirely or partially withinPrescott National Forest. Travel is limited to foot or horseback within designated Wilderness; no mechanized equipment or vehicles are allowed. Relax, learn, or simply enjoy nature. The Verde Valley is renowned for birding, and the forest is rich with wildlife, and archaeological and historical sites. Photographers and artists find inspiration in vibrant flora, fauna, and panoramic vistas. There is an accessible nature trail at historic Groom Creek Schoolhouse; Gold-panners frequent Lynx Creek; and motorists enjoy scenic drives throughout the forest. Old mining towns, such as Jerome and Crown King, provide a glimpse into Arizona’s mining heritage, and also offer hotels, restaurants, shops, tours, and art galleries. The Highlands Center for Natural History, near Lynx Lake, provides educational programs for all ages. Looking For Water? Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking at Lynx, Granite Basin, Mingus, and Horsethief Lakes. Visit Lynx Lake Café for fishing/camping supplies and boat rentals. Verde River access points are part of a “string of pearls” throughout the valley where people picnic, fish, raft, kayak, canoe, tube, wade, and swim. Adventure! Mingus Mountain boasts Arizona’s premier hang glider launch (for experienced fliers only); kayakers brave the rapids of the wild and scenic stretch of the Verde River; and rock climbers frequent Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain. Abundant granite in the area gives rise to optimal conditions for bouldering and rock hounding in many locations in the forest. |
