The Prescott National Forest is located in the western center of Arizona.
Where is this Forest?

 

Welcome to Prescott National ForestThe Invasive Weed of the Quarter for October through December is Diffuse knapweed.Click photo to learn about the Highlands Center's 2016 Hiking Spree Sep 10 to Dec 1Click image to play Prescott Circle Trail videoLittle girl and a duck at Granite Basin Lake

 

Comprised of about 1.25 million acres, the Prescott borders three other National Forests in Arizona: Kaibab, Coconino, and Tonto. Roughly half of the forest lies west of the city of Prescott, Arizona, in the Juniper, Santa Maria, Sierra Prieta, and Bradshaw Mountains. The other half of the Forest lies east of Prescott and takes in the Black Hills, Mingus Mountain, Black Mesa, and the headwaters of the Verde River.

Portions of the Prescott National Forest today are much the same as they were when Sam Miller panned for gold in Lynx Creek and was wounded by a cougar, or when General Crook's flag fluttered over Palace Station.

At the lowest elevation, the primary vegetation is of the Sonoran Desert type. As the elevation rises, chaparral becomes common, followed by piñon pine and juniper. Above that, Ponderosa pine dominates the landscape.

Recent News


Features

Aldo Leopold 1920 Report on the Prescott National Forest

Historic photo of Horsethief Lake taken in 1920

A historic report witten by Aldo Leopold in 1920 about the condition of the Prescott National Forest and its management.


Topographical Maps

Download topographical maps

Spotlights

Prescribed Fire

After 100 years of actively suppressing fire in our forests, the clinical report is in. Our forests are unhealthy and the prescription for getting them back to a healthy state is -- fire.

Southwestern Region Stakeholders Report

Bald Eagle in Flight

Stories featuring Prescott National Forest include our innovative Recreation Strategy on page 7, and the Prescott Cross Boundary Vegetation Management Project on page 4.

 

 




Southwestern Region Centralized Temporary Hiring

The Southwestern Region is looking for a committed, hardworking, highly skilled workforce to work in many fields on 11 national forests located in Arizona and New Mexico.

Verde River Guide (7,928 KB PDF)

Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after.



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Highlights

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