Prescott’s Mountain Bike Mecca — Where to Ride for All Skill Levels
Prescott National Forest gives unparalleled access to the best biking trails in the Southwest. With over 450 miles of non-motorized trail and singletrack, there are dozens of trails that are ready to welcome riders of any level or experience.
We’ve gathered our top five favorite mountain biking trails in Prescott. See you out there!
Acker Park: Goldwater Lakes Loop
Intermediate
A favorite of local riders, Acker Park is a great launching spot, but can also be accessed from downtown Prescott. A combination of paved roads, dirt roads, and singletrack make up the 14-mile route. An average 3% grade gives a very good (and sweaty!) challenge.
#95 Salida Gulch Trail
Intermediate
This 100% singletrack ride is designed with a “gentle uphill with a fast and flowy ending,” according to riders. Start your ride by crossing a rocky dry creek before taking a quick left and starting your climb. Some steep rocky sections will challenge newer riders, but the climb is gentle and can be done slowly. The rock wall to the left during the climb has petroglyphs, so check out the rock drawings as you make your way up the hill. At the top you’re rewarded with a long view of the forest that neighbors Prescott to the south. Enjoy a quick trip downhill, but watch out for the switchbacks! Some riders like to ride the trail in reverse to mix things up and challenge themselves.
Painted Rock Loop
Intermediate / Difficult
You might be too busy enjoying the speedy trails that make up Painted Rock Loop to stop and enjoy the scenery, but if you do take a moment to soak it all in, do so by Willow Creek and Juniper Gate and, we promise, you won’t be disappointed. Part of the loop is made up of West Trail #318 and Firewater Trail #325; both offer a challenging climb with rock obstacles but they definitely add to the fun!
Constellation Trails
Difficult
Don’t let the short six-mile trail fool you: this is no simple ride. Named after a Lockheed C-121G Super Constellation that crashed nearby in 1959, the singletrack ride can be accessed in any direction. (Check out the crash memorial – with actual debris! – before you ride!) Though the ride is short it offers a variety of challenging sections. Technically challenging “B Lines” are followed by short but steep climbs and drops. If you’re looking for a technical uphill ride, Constellation Trail was made for you.
Smith Ravine & Spruce Mountain
Difficult
Your legs will be feeling this ride the next day. With over 20% of the 18-mile ride clocking in at the max grade, this challenging ride climbs over a thousand feet. Enjoy a shaded start on Smith Ravine Trail #297 that cuts across Smith Ravine Spring. Put your legs to work on the Spruce Mountain summit, but know you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view from the overlook. Finish off with Groom Creek Loop Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in the Prescott National Forest.
