Prescott National Forest Has It All for Recreationists

In the American Southwest, only 120 miles from one of the largest cities in the country, lies an outdoor and recreational wonderland of lakes, mountains, and desert just waiting for those who seek adventure and the chance to bring home a story. This astonishing place where “the desert meets the pines” is Prescott National Forest in Central Arizona, a year-round destination for camping, fishing, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle touring, and other exciting outdoor activities.

Prescott National Forest is guardian of more than 100,000 acres of wilderness, and part of a much larger area of protected lands as it borders three other National Forests in Arizona – Coconino National Forest, Tonto National Forest, and Kaibab National Forest. Prescott National Forest offers nearly 450 miles of scenic trails for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest also contains a National Recreational Trail (Granite Mountain Trail) and a National Historic Study trail (General Crook Trail), and, with the mild climate of the area, visitors can enjoy hiking the trails year round.

Prescott National Forest also provides access to the Verde River, with opportunities for motorized boating, kayaking, and fishing. Once an active gravel pit, the Alto Pit in the forest is now a haven for off-highway vehicles like dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The 20-mile trail system offers something for everyone, with challenging rides for advanced recreationists and exhilarating learning opportunities for beginners. For more thrill-seeking visitors, Prescott National Forest has you covered with hang gliding, technical rock climbing and bouldering, and whitewater rafting.

When it comes to camping, the forest delivers a range of unique campsites and historic cabins that offer pine-clad mountain hideaways, rustic indoor retreats, and stunning stargazing spots. The best part of all is that there’s still a chance to plan a summer escape to this Arizona oasis.

 

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