Venue · Prescott, Arizona

Thumb Butte Recreation Area: events and weekly regulars in Prescott, AZ

Updated Sat, Oct 31, 2026 Share

Thumb Butte Recreation Area is a trailhead and picnic area on Thumb Butte Road in Prescott, Arizona, inside Prescott National Forest, with a 2 mile loop trail and 12 picnic sites. The climb is short and steep in places, and the spur near the crest pays you back with a view over town.

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In the Bradshaw Ranger District of Prescott National Forest, with the parking lot on the north side of Thumb Butte Road, two bathrooms and water on site.

• The Thumb Butte Trail loop. The 2 mile loop climbs about 606 feet, takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, and is rated moderately challenging.
• Picnics with grills. The day use area has 12 picnic sites with tables and grills, plus a group ramada with 12 tables and large grills.
• Viewpoint spur. A short spur trail near the crest offers a good view of the Prescott area, with interpretive signs along the route.
• Year round hiking. The trail is open year round, dogs are welcome on leash, and the top closes periodically for wildlife conservation and nesting.

A day use pass is required, and Wednesdays are free. The top closes periodically for nesting, so call the Prescott National Forest office at (928) 443-8000 if the summit is the goal.

• Address: 2285 Thumb Butte Rd, Prescott, AZ 86305
• Phone: Not posted
• Hours: Not posted
• Capacity: Not posted
• Website: Not posted
• Last checked: Oct 30, 2026