About THUMB BUTTE
Overview Thumb Butte Group Picnic Area is a convenient place for groups of up to 100 people to enjoy a day outdoors. The site is located under the towering pines of Prescott National Forest about 4 miles west of Prescott, and provides easy access to a variety of trails and amenities. It offers a year-round pavilion and a quiet, shaded setting for luncheons, church gatherings, family picnics and other large functions. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general Thumb Butte site questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000. Recreation The Thumb Butte area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Many trails can be found within a short walk or drive, including two that ascend Thumb Butte. Horseshoe pits are available at the picnic site; visitors interested in playing should bring their own horseshoes.Facilities The picnic site is equipped with 12 picnic tables, 1 serving table, a covered picnic shelter, four charcoal grills and one campfire ring. There is designated parking (gated area) for 26 standard size vehicles. Guests have the convenience of restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. The area is lighted after dark, and electric outlet(s) (20 amp maximum) are provided. Trash collection is limited and guests are encouraged to pack out their own trash.Natural Features The facility is set in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 5,700 feet, at the base of the Thumb Butte rock formation and adjacent to Miller Creek. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Summer temperatures are pleasant, and winter is cool to cold with occasional snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. Nearby Attractions Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Pre
How to Get There
From Phoenix, Arizona: Traveling Northbound on I-17 take Exit 262 onto Hwy 69 North to Prescott and cointnue on Hwy 69 for 41 miles. Once you have arrived in Prescott, continue to go west on Hwy 69 which turns into Gurley St., which then becomes the Thumb Butte Road, and travel 2.2 miles to the picnic area entrance. Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 278 onto Westbound Highway 169 and continue for 15 Miles until reaching the junction of Hwy 69, turn right onto Northbound Hwy 69 and continue for 15 miles until arriving in Prescott. Once you have arrived in Prescott, continue to go west on Hwy 69 which turns into Gurley St, which then becomes the Thumb Butte Road, and travel 2.2 miles to the picnic area entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to THUMB BUTTE
Heading to THUMB BUTTE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for THUMB BUTTE?
No central reservation system listed for THUMB BUTTE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232207) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to THUMB BUTTE?
From Phoenix, Arizona: Traveling Northbound on I-17 take Exit 262 onto Hwy 69 North to Prescott and cointnue on Hwy 69 for 41 miles. Once you have arrived in Prescott, continue to go west on Hwy 69 which turns into Gurley St., which then becomes the Thumb Butte Road, and travel 2.2 miles to the picnic area entrance. Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 27…
How do I contact THUMB BUTTE?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (877) 444-6777.
References & Official Resources
