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Loop around the Thumb Butte's gently sloping western slope to just below its craggy crest and back down eastern slope.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.1

KM

Loop

6,310' 1,923 m

High

5,725' 1,745 m

Low

585' 178 m

Up

582' 178 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Short but steep jaunt up to the base of Thumb Butte and back around down the eastern slope. Scenic views at the top. This counter-clockwise loop follows forest road #33 the whole way.

Need to Know

Sign is posted at trailhead with a snake caution.

$5 day use fee required at parking lot. Currently free on Wednesdays (as of April 2018).

Description

This is a short but steep jaunt up from the base of Thumb Butte. Scenic views at the top.

The trail is a loop around the Butte's gently sloping western slope to just below its craggy crest (there is no trail access to the peak). At the top, you can hike a spur to a spectacular overview of the Prescott area. The steeper eastern portion is paved to control erosion and increase safety. Climbing is not recommended on the top of the butte.

This is an interpretive trail. Continuing in a counter-clockwise direction, you'll enjoy 13 interpretive stops and 15 site identification points. You'll learn about the interconnections and interdependence of this area; its people, plant, and animal communities.

Flora & Fauna

Birds, snakes, scrub oak, manzanita, ponderosa pine trees.

History & Background

The Thumb Butte trail is the most heavily traveled trail on the Prescott National Forest, receiving approximately 3,000 visitors each month. It is an excellent place to learn about the area's native wildlife and cultural history, how humans impact natural ecosystems and the importance of protecting such natural places.

Contacts

Shared By:

Holly Snow Canada with improvements by C McNemar

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#2926

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#123

in Arizona

#2,926

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,887 Since Apr 4, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
89%
11%
0%
0%

Photos

Beginning of Trail #33
Apr 4, 2018 near Prescott, AZ

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Weather


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Unknown
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