Thumb Butte Loop (Trail #33)

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

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.

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).

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.

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

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.