Thumb Butte Trail

Ordinarily, Thumb Butte is not a strenuous hike (less than two miles total). It does offer a decent climb, but it’s a short trip up. For those looking for a good workout, hoist a 35-pound kid on your back (a bag full of bowling balls is an accepted substitute for those without kids).

The trailhead is well marked. It begins at the base of Thumb Butte.

A short distance into the trail, a fork veers to the right. This direction (counter clockwise) offers a scenic trail through tall trees that meanders to the top. It returns to the bottom on a blacktop trail.

We chose to take the trail straight, doing the loop clockwise. After a little distance, the dirt gives way to blacktop. This paved trail is disability accessible and features railings and benches along its many switchbacks.

Thumb Butte trail also features several interesting signs that tell about the various trees and shrubs, as well as the history of the area.

The blacktop ends at the top of the hill and continues on as a wide, heavily packed dirt and gravel path.

A short side hike atop is worth the time. It takes hikers to the highest point of the journey and offers sweeping views of Prescott, Mingus Mountain and the Bradshaws.

The hike never sheds its “park” feeling, but it comes close on the trail down as it winds through the tall pines.

The area is entirely family friendly. We saw other families with kids and several people walking their dogs.

The trail is well maintained, too, and on the day we went, the air was at least 10 degrees cooler than the Valley.

To get there, take I-17 north to Highway 69. The highway becomes Gurly Street once in Prescott. Follow Gurly through town and it becomes Thumb Butte Road. Follow until the parking lot at the base of the butte.

There is a $2 fee to park. Restroom facilities and drinking fountains are available at the base.

This hike was first featured May 2002 and revised February 2007.