Nestled in the central highlands of Arizona, Prescott is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, numerous wilderness areas, and national forests. Whether you're a hiker, camper, or nature lover, there are ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors in and around Prescott. And with Arizona Shuttle, getting there has always been challenging. Phoenix to Prescott shuttle
Here's a guide to some of the top wilderness areas and national forests in the area that are worth exploring:
Prescott National Forest
Covering over 1.2 million acres, the Prescott National Forest is a vast and diverse wilderness area perfect for outdoor recreation. There are numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The forest also features several lakes and streams, including Lynx Lake, Watson Lake, and Granite Basin Lake, popular spots for boating and fishing.
Granite Mountain Wilderness
Located just north of Prescott, the Granite Mountain Wilderness is a rugged and scenic area home to various plant and animal species. Wildlife in the area includes elk, mountain lions, and black bears. The wilderness area features several hiking trails, including the famous Granite Mountain Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tonto National Forest
Stretching over 2.8 million acres, Tonto National Forest is the fifth-largest national forest in the country and offers a wealth of outdoor activities. The forest is home to the iconic Superstition Mountains and several lakes, rivers, and streams, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also numerous trails, including the popular Apache Trail, which winds through the stunning Salt River Canyon.
Sedona Red Rock Country
Just a short drive from Prescott, Sedona Red Rock Country is a stunning area known for its towering red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. The site is also famous for its spiritual and healing energy and has several spas and wellness centers. Several trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Bell Rock Pathway.
Prescott Circle Trail
Suppose you're looking for an extraordinary way to explore the natural beauty of Prescott. In that case, the Prescott Circle Trail is a 54-mile loop trail that circles the city and passes through some of the most stunning wilderness areas. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians and can be completed in segments or all at once.
With Arizona Shuttle, you can easily access these wilderness areas, national forests, and more. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or take in the area's stunning natural beauty, there's something for everyone in and around Prescott.
Why Prescott’s Wilderness Areas Stand Out
Prescott sits where the high‑desert scrub of the Sonoran Desert meets cool ponderosa‑pine forests, creating an extraordinary mosaic of habitats within a short drive of downtown. The human story here stretches back at least 10,000 years, and the mid‑1800s gold rush in the Bradshaw Mountains reshaped the region’s culture and economy. Today the Prescott National Forest encompasses roughly 1.2 million acres, offering more than 950 miles of maintained trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, while protecting more than 100,000 acres of designated wilderness. The combination of towering ridgelines, spring‑fed creeks, ancient lava flows, and vibrant wildlife makes these lands a living classroom for anyone interested in geology, ecology, or simply the joy of outdoor exploration.
Prescott National Forest: The Backbone of the Region
Established as a forest reserve in 1898 and officially designated Prescott National Forest in 1908, this federal landscape stretches across central Arizona’s central highlands. Its southern edge is framed by the Bradshaw Mountains, with Mount Union rising to nearly 7,979 feet—the highest point in the forest. Visitors can expect a network of scenic byways (State Route 89 on the north, State Route 69 from the Phoenix area) that lead to dozens of trailheads, campgrounds, and lakes. The forest’s “green belt” around Prescott provides cool summer retreats at elevations around 5,000 feet, while the lower foothills showcase desert scrub and spectacular sunset views.
Granite Mountain Wilderness
Granite Mountain Wilderness, designated in 1984, covers 5,628 acres of rugged terrain just north of Prescott. The area is distinguished by three natural springs and the lush riparian corridor of Apache Creek, which supports a surprising variety of plants and wildlife. Elevations climb from about 5,200 feet near the creek beds to 6,900 feet at the summit of Granite Mountain (7,623 ft). Visitors should note group‑size limits: hiking parties are capped at 15 people, and stock groups may not exceed 10 animals. A key regulation protects the trail corridor—camping is prohibited within 200 feet of Trail #261, the Granite Mountain Trail, to safeguard the fragile alpine meadow. Popular routes include the Granite Mountain Trail #261, the Tin Trough Springs Trail #308, and the Baby Granite Loop, each offering sweeping vistas of surrounding ridges and occasional sightings of elk, mountain lions, and black bears.
Juniper Mesa Wilderness
Juniper Mesa Wilderness, also established in 1984, encompasses 7,554 acres of flat‑topped plateau typical of the region’s geologic character. Elevation ranges from roughly 5,600 feet near the southwestern Apache Spring to 7,000 feet along the western edge close to George Wood Canyon and Gobblers Knob. Access is deliberately remote; the western edge of the Chino Valley Ranger District is reached via unpaved Forest Service roads, and high‑clearance or four‑wheel‑drive vehicles are recommended. Seven maintained trails—#3, #20, #100, #9853, and #940—provide options for both day hikes and overnight backpacks, winding through ponderosa pine, juniper, and Gambel oak. Because the mesa sits above the surrounding desert, it offers cooler temperatures in summer and excellent views of distant ranges.
Pine Mountain Wilderness
Pine Mountain Wilderness, created in 1984, spans 5,923 acres and varies in elevation from 5,500 feet to 7,800 feet. The landscape showcases a dramatic transition from desert scrub to pine forest as the elevation climbs, with wind and water erosion exposing seven distinct geological associations—red sandstone, white limestone, and brown lava among them—set in a striking backdrop of color and texture. The trail system includes Nelson Trail #159, Buck Basin Trail #158, Pine Flat Trail #165, Tule Rim Trail #162, Verde Rim Trail #161, and Willow Springs Trail #12. These routes attract hikers, backpackers, and equestrians seeking solitude and the chance to spot migratory birds and occasional large mammals.
Apache Creek Wilderness
Though often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Apache Creek Wilderness protects 5,628 acres of spring‑fed riparian habitat that is vital for wildlife in the region. Established in 1984, the wilderness features three natural springs—still flowing year‑round—and a series of interconnected creek channels that create a green corridor amid the surrounding desert. The area provides crucial habitat for mountain lions, deer, and a diverse bird community, especially during migration seasons. Visitors can access the wilderness via Forest Road 318 from State Route 89, then follow a short footpath to the creek’s edge, where interpretive signs explain the importance of the riparian ecosystem.
How to Access These Wilderness Areas
Travelers coming from Phoenix or Flagstaff will find Interstate 17 the quickest corridor, exiting onto State Route 69 toward Prescott. From the Prescott downtown area, State Route 89 runs north‑south, providing direct access to the Granite Mountain Wilderness trailhead and several campgrounds along the way. Forest Road 318 branches off SR 89 to reach more remote sites such as the historic Sycamore Cabin (a CCC‑built, eight‑person structure at 4,000 ft elevation, available for rent through the Forest Service). For those preferring public transportation, Arizona Shuttle offers daily service between Phoenix‑Sky Harbor and Prescott, dropping passengers near the Prescott Gateway Mall where local shuttle services and bike‑share options connect to trailheads.
Best First‑Timer Adventure: Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Lynx Lake Recreation Area, set among ponderosa pines at 5,000 feet, is an ideal introduction to the Prescott National Forest. The 55‑acre lake is stocked with trout, and non‑motorized boating and paddle‑boarding are permitted
