Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest spans just over one million acres across central Arizona, offering a diverse landscape of ponderosa pine forests, oak woodlands, and mixed conifers at varying elevations. The forest supports a full range of outdoor pursuits: hiking and backpacking on maintained trail systems, dispersed camping throughout the forest, fishing in streams and lakes, and scenic driving on forest roads that wind through the high country. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular, and the forest also permits hunting during designated seasons.

Access is straightforward from Prescott and surrounding communities, with the forest offering year-round recreation depending on elevation and weather. Summer months—June through September—bring the most reliable conditions and heaviest use. Spring and fall remain accessible, though higher elevations can see snow. Winter is possible at lower elevations, but higher areas may experience significant snow and road closures. Dispersed camping is unrestricted on most national forest land, making the forest a flexible destination for those seeking solitude and self-directed exploration.