What is one of the greatest areas for off-roading? If you guessed “Prescott, Arizona,” you are spot on. Our Off Road Guide is full of information to ensure you stay safe and find the best places to go.
The climate is mild pretty much year-round. The variety in terrain makes for the perfect place for your explorations of the off-road trails.
Oh, the Beauty of Off-Roading in Prescott!
Among the jagged peaks and stretching forests, there is stunning beauty hidden in the crevices of the mountains in north central Arizona. Drive in any direction from the Quad-Cities to find great trails for 4x4s, quads, and dirt bikes.
Plan Ahead for your 4×4 Trip
Before you start to head for the trail, know what type of off-roading you desire. Our Off Road Guide will give you information about some of the trails in the area. Location of the trail can be an important factor as to how to prepare and what to take. Learning about the trails close by can influence your decisions. Be aware of all appropriate safety precautions, take your cell phone, and plenty of water!
Here are some other ideas about how you can get ready for your next trip.
Off to the Prescott Area 4×4 Trails…
Check out our article: Off Road Trails near Prescott, Arizona
Are you ready to go? Here is our Off Road Guide to some of the best trails in the Quad-Cities:
Crown King Road
Crown King Road is a great place to begin your off-road adventures. This gravel road is even appropriate for cars when it is not wet. As you approach the town of Crown King, the lane rises quite rapidly. If you ride beyond Crown King, be sure your vehicle is high clearance, as the road narrows and becomes rough.
Directions: From Prescott, take off I-17 to exit 259. You will travel west and then south to Crown King Road.
Thumb Butte Loop
Thumb Butte Loop is one of the most popular off-road venues in the Prescott National Forest. Near Prescott, it is easy to find and offers breathtaking views of Prescott and the Bradshaw Mountains. The road is moderately maintained, with some short rocky stretches that are a bit bumpy. Moderate clearance is required.
Directions: From downtown Prescott, head west on Gurley Street. Gurley Street then becomes Thumb Butte Road. Three miles from the Courthouse is the Thumb Butte Picnic Area, Both Trails 315 and 316 start at the the north side of the parking area on the loop road. South of the parking area is Trail 33.
Goat Peak Trail
Goat Peak Trail offers a very pleasant trail that connects the little town of Cherry to Mingus Lake and winds through the back country linking the small town of Cherry, Ariz. with Mingus Lake, Mingus Mountain, and Cottonwood. The approximately 15-mile ride will take you through lush pines, water crossings, and mountain shelves.
Directions: Take I-17 north and then AZ 169 west. Go about five miles, then take W. Cherry Creek Rd/FR 372, and you are on Goat Peak Trail. You can head on to FR 413 (Mingus Mountain Loop Trail) to FR 493 which will take you into Cottonwood.
If You Get Stuck: Call Hoist Towing & Recovery
No matter what precautions you take when off-roading, you can still get stranded. Call the pros at Hoist Towing & Recovery. We apply state of the art extraction and winching equipment. We will protect your your 4×4 or anything you drive, quickly and safely. Our off-road rescue and recovery team is available 7 days a week to come to the aid of stranded vehicles on trails near Prescott, Sedona, Williams, Flagstaff, Crown King and many other areas throughout Arizona. Call us at (928)-660-0606.