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Arizona Hiking Trails Photo Gallery
Adventure Resource
Adventure Resource
Thumb Butte Loop Trail
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
Thumb Butte Loop TR 33
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trail Head
· Thumb Butte Spur Trail TR 314
Trail use: heavy
Trail difficulty:
moderate
Trail length:
2 mile loop
Estimated hiking time:
2+ hours
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
+600 feet
Things to be aware of:
· hikers only
· fee parking area
Thumb Butte Loop TR 33
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Thumb Butte Picnic Area Trail Head
· Thumb Butte Spur Trail TR 314
Trail use: heavy
Trail difficulty:
moderate
Trail length:
2 mile loop
Estimated hiking time:
2+ hours
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
+600 feet
Things to be aware of:
· hikers only
· fee parking area
408 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 Thumb Butte Loop Trail : in 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! There was over 6 or 7 cars and several groups starting out as I pulled in which lived up to the reputation that this is one of the most heavily hiked forest trails in Arizona.
The trail began just across the road from the parking area - I went up the steps, crossed the road and could see the trail was well developed and marked. I chose to go to the right (west) on the loop start out. Today was the second really warm day after a below 32 cold spell so the warm sun and blue skys were well appreciated and enjoyed. Along the trail I passed several groups of hikers and some solos. Silver got a real treat when a recent transplant from Texas rounded a bend with a Tri color male sheltie named "Tonto" - they immediately recognized each other as from the same breed, wagged tails, relaxed and did that respectful and intelligent "hello" behavior that is so prevelant in their breed.
There was still a covering of snow in the shaded areas of the trail from last weeks snow storm and the parts on the asphalt area were slippery but carefully traveled. There are hand rails on the steep downside which made for a safer return. This trail and park area is highly developed with park benches, riparian park type information signs explaining the history, plant and wild life. I found them worth the read and informative.
On the back side (south) of the Butte you will find a trail that goes off to the south east - ignore that one if you are doing the TR 33 loop - just stay close to the butte in that area and you are on the right trail. Just below the butte on the south west (back) side there is a little spur trail that takes you almost to the top. I found some great close up views of the butte and the southern horizon on this short spur. It is a narrow rocky little trail and be careful of the cactus!
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 Thumb Butte Loop Trail in the Thumb Butte Recreational Area, Prescott National Forest.