Thumb Butte
Prescott's skyline landmark, circled by a popular hiking-only loop in the national forest
- Admission
- $5 per vehicle per day, $20 four-month pass or $40 annual pass
- No fee on Wednesdays (Prescott National Forest)
- Hours
- Day-use site and trailhead: March-April 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; May-August 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; September...
- Where
- Prescott, Sedona & Verde Valley
- Directions
- Directions
Thumb Butte is the rock knob that stands out on Prescott's western skyline, and the most familiar short hike from town. It's in the Prescott National Forest, about four miles west of downtown.
Trail 33 makes a loop around the butte. A Forest Service trail list gives it as about 1.75 miles, hiking only, and calls it very popular and well maintained; the Forest Service rates it moderately difficult. Dress for the elevation, carry water, and stay on the trail.
The Forest Service charges a $5 day-use fee per vehicle at the picnic area and trailhead, with no fee on Wednesdays.
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Hours & Fees
- Open
- Day-use site and trailhead: March-April 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; May-August 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; September-November 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; December-February 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (Prescott National Forest).
- Admission
- $5 per vehicle per day, $20 four-month pass or $40 annual pass; no fee on Wednesdays (Prescott National Forest).
Hours and prices change, especially out of season. Check with the venue before you go.
Nearby Attractions
Other places to visit in Prescott
Questions people ask
Quick Facts
$5 per vehicle per day, $20 four-month pass or $40 annual pass
No fee on Wednesdays (Prescott National Forest).
Best Time to Visit
April to October. At 5,319 feet Prescott stays well below Phoenix's summer heat, and Frontier Days fills the town in the days leading up to July 4. Winter brings occasional snow.