Trails to Explore

This is a long and windy road that takes you to Crown King. Because of  its length, and the many things to see and do along the way, you'll want  to 

allow plenty of time to complete it.  The loop  will take you pass Cleator and Bumble Bee ghost towns. Driving out and back to Crown King (7-10 hours). 

The Thumb Butte Loop is arguably the most traveled off-road section in  the Prescott National Forest.  It's close to town, easy to access and  offers sweeping views over Prescott, the Sierra Prieta, the Weaver  Mountains and the Bradshaw Mountains as you wind along the drive.  Great way to scope out everything Prescott has to offer before you jump off  on bigger adventures. 

 This trail leads up to a fire lookout and a couple of awesome hikes.  Picnic tables and a small restroom are at the top. There is a gate; it  was open when this trail was run (June 2022), but may be closed. No  camping on this road or at the lookout. This road is rocky with some  dirt and gentle grades. The road does have sharp turns and some steep  inclines, not recommended when wet unless in a 4WD vehicle. If dry, it  is safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. Most of this road  is two vehicles wide. 

  The Jerome Ghost Town sits way up high on the mountain and this is part  of the allure. While the entire road there is paved Jerome is one of the most challenging places to get to in  the entire west and this definitely adds to the charm. Traveling the route to Jerome Ghost Town is a steep winding climb up the mountain that will test the ability of any vehicle or driver.