Prescott, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
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Prescott, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Prescott is located in the nation's largest contigeous forest of Ponderosa Pines and is rich in the lore of the American West. It is a mile high in elevation with some snow in the winter. The average yearly high is 64 degrees and the low is 37 degress. It may hit 90 in mid summer and 50 in mid winter for day time highs. A beautiful getaway from the heat in Phoenix!
The Prescott area has more than 450 miles of scenic trails for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or mountain biking in Prescott National Forest. The forest also contains one National Recreational Trail (Granite Mountain Trail) and one National Historic Study trail (General Crook Trail). The mild climate allows the trails to be enjoyed year-round.
Spruce Mountain Trail 307
A great ride to get away from the summer heat. Spruce Mountain's starting elevation is about 6300 feet above sea level and climbs to about 7700 feet. This ride is full of beautiful singletrack and awesome views. The 3.3 mile climb to the top is pretty strenuous, with plenty of switchbacks, rocks and roots. The 5.5 mile descent is every bit worth the climb. A ripping singletrack descent among the ponderosa pine forest. I suffer up the climb on my heavy dual suspension just for the descent. The trails are marked fairly well by the forest service. There is a self-pay parking fee in the parking lot of 2 dollars. I think it is 2 dollars? Remember horses have the right of way and there are plenty of them on the weekends. The trails get slippery and muddy during the frequent Monsoon rains in July and August, so watch out!
Directions:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to hwy 69 north exit. Head west on hwy 69 and this will take you into Prescott. Merge onto Gurley street and take a left onto the Senator Highway (Mt. Vernon street). Follow Senator Highway 6 miles to Groom Creek and then another mile to trail #307 trailhead on left. Head north out of the parking lot and jump on the singletrack. The usual ride is a clockwise up and back down 9 mile loop.
Rating:
Skill: Intermediate
Effort: Puke
Type: Loop
Season: Summer
Mileage: 9
Rating: 4 of 5
Trail 305
This trail is not technical but is twisty turny and too much fun. Bring your lungs. If you haven't had enough climbing yet, cross the road and continue up the Smith Ravine trail, and remember, what goes up must fly down! Also, ride over to the lake and check out the resident bald eagles. The Forest Service has just added a significant section. This increases the trail to seven miles, one way, or fourteen out and back.
Directions:
Park at the Costco, which is just inside the Prescott city limits on Highway 69. Ride south on Walker Road .5 miles. Turn RIGHT into the Ranch Trail #62 parking area and trailhead.
Rating:
Skill: Intermediate
Effort: Moderate
Type: Loop/Singletrack
Season: All, Snow sometimes
Mileage: 14
Rating: 5 of 5
