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It's Fun to Surf the Rim
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Arizona Hiking Trails Photo Gallery
Adventure Resource
Adventure Resource
Water Tower Trail
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
Thumb Butte Recreational Area
Water Tower Trail TR 315
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Ridgetop Trail TR 317
· connecting trail TR 386
Trail use:
heavy
Trail difficulty:
easy
Trail length:
3/4 mile (one way)
Estimated hiking time:
1 hour
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
n/a
Things to be aware of:
· fee parking area
Thumb Butte Recreational Area
Water Tower Trail TR 315
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Ridgetop Trail TR 317
· connecting trail TR 386
Trail use:
heavy
Trail difficulty:
easy
Trail length:
3/4 mile (one way)
Estimated hiking time:
1 hour
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
n/a
Things to be aware of:
· fee parking area
92 photos
• Directions and trail hike review
• Hiking tips and guidelines
• What to bring on a day hike
• Some alternative hike suggestions
• Hiking safety tips
• Hiking Disclaimer & Site Use Terms
• Hiking tips and guidelines
• What to bring on a day hike
• Some alternative hike suggestions
• Hiking safety tips
• Hiking Disclaimer & Site Use Terms
Regional area of Water Tower Trail : in the Thumb Butte Recreational Area, of the Prescott National Forest, near Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona.
DIRECTIONS
Take Gurley St (Prescott, Az - Gurley becomes Thumb Butte Road) west from downtown Prescott about 3 miles. Park in the picnic parking lot area. Also see "more info" tab at top of page for Forest Service Trail Map link.
January 2007
As I drove west on Gurley and it turned into Thumb Butte Road I could see thumb butte ahead and to the south. I found the Picnic parking area sign and pulled into a well developed - almost looks like a city park - type recreation area. I followed the signs and picked up a fee envelope - filled it out and - deposited it in the sign post!
The trail began across the parking area - to the north east - next to the onsite ranger mobile. There were no signs marking the entrance but I found them along the trail. I passed through a gated fenced area into the forest service area containing mostly alligator juniper, scrub oak and some ponderosa pine. It was a cloudy winter day. I dressed layered and found as the day progressed depending on the area and position of the sun I could modify the layers to remain comfortable yet warm. This trail was easy to hike, not steep or rocky and well suited for a short hike with family and children. through a small canyon. The trail is reasonably easy to follow and appears to be well maintained. If you come into the trail from the Turley Trail side you will be hiking up hill to TR 62.
Enjoy the Hike!
Max West and Silver
USDA Trail details: • Map & Info -- USDA Forest Service
For closures or specific information:
Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Ranger District (928)-771-4700
This hiking trail photo gallery review features the Prescott area Water Tower Trail in the Thumb Butte Recreational Area, Prescott National Forest, Arizona.