Visible from downtown Prescott, as well as many other areas of the city, Thumb Butte casts its shadow over the landscape below from a high point west of town. A half-paved, half-gravel steep path allows hikers to hit a point just below the rocky high point area.
Set within Prescott National Forest, the Thumb Butte trail is one of the more heavily visited hiking routes in town. The trail can be pretty crowded during nicer weather, though hikers are rewarded with views of the surrounding landscape below as they gain elevation. Beginning at a sizable parking area, a well-signed path crosses the road before forking in two directions. Hikers can opt to head right here, and follow and more gradual climb along a mostly dirt path made up of hardpacked soil and some areas of slick rocks. Alternatively, hikers can take the left fork and follow a paved path as it heads up a series of switchbacks, making a much more steep climb but reaching the high point of the trail in much less distance (0.7 miles to the high point via the steeper route vs. 1.3 miles to the top via the dirt path).
The trail doesn't actually climb the top of the rocky butte, which is fenced off to prevent hikers from reaching the large boulders. Instead, the high point is a spot just below the rocks, with a couple benches facing northward views.
Hikers can choose their distance and difficulty level by choosing which way they'd like to go. There are no amenities along the hike itself, however bathrooms, water, and benches are all available at the Thumb Butte Picnic Area adjacent to the parking lot.
Hikers using the parking area must pay a day use fee, payable at the pay station central to the parking lot. (As of Winter 2024, the fee is $5 per vehicle, with Wednesdays being free)
Parking/trailhead hours vary by season, though are generally in the 7am-5pm range. Complete hours can be viewed here.
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