Thumb Butte Trail 33
Thumb Butte Trail 33
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
175 reviews
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LoveTravel557879
20 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a nice 1 to 1.5 hour hike, depending on your pace to walk the 2 mile loop trail. It is about a 10 minute drive from downtown Prescott. Take West Gurley Street, which turns into Thumb Butte Road to the parking area at Thumb Butte Recreation Area. The trailhead is across the street from parking. There are restroom facilities in parking area. This is also a fee area ($5/day) unless you have the annual national park or Senior pass. Trail #33 is an easy hike (if you are an occasional hiker) with some elevation gain and overlook views. Part of the trail is paved.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManitouExpert
Manitou Springs, CO307 contributions
Jan 2020
You can see Thumb Butte from all over Prescott. The trail is only a short drive to a nice Forest Service parking lot. The trail is a big loop but the day we were there we went up and back due to snow and ice on the trail. The part of the trail we were on was mostly paved with asphalt. Which was fine. I expect we will hike this again next year.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary B
Prescott, AZ208 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Thumb Butte is about 2.5 miles west of downtown Prescott, an dis located in Prescott National Forest. A large parking area is located just north of the main trailhead, and costs $5 per vehicle, except on Wednesdays. Those holding Golden Age or Yearly passes do not need to pay.
There are two main trails. The east trail is steeper and therefore more challenging. The west trail, being gradual, allows families with small children and older seniors to enjoy the manzanita and pine forest at a more leisurely pace. There are several informational signs, relative to flora and fauna of the area, along the trails. A creekside trail follows Indian Creek and Miller Creek, as well and can be accessed from the west trail. In addition, Thumb Butte is connected to the Prescott Circle Trail, which is comprised of several trails along the outer perimeter of the city of Prescott.
There are two main trails. The east trail is steeper and therefore more challenging. The west trail, being gradual, allows families with small children and older seniors to enjoy the manzanita and pine forest at a more leisurely pace. There are several informational signs, relative to flora and fauna of the area, along the trails. A creekside trail follows Indian Creek and Miller Creek, as well and can be accessed from the west trail. In addition, Thumb Butte is connected to the Prescott Circle Trail, which is comprised of several trails along the outer perimeter of the city of Prescott.
Written February 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CACTUSPETEAZ
Prescott, Arizona88 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
If you are going to hike all the way around the trail, hike to the right first. It is gentler and you get the steeper paved trail coming down the hill from the mountain at the end. It makes it a much easier hike.
Written January 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JHM231
Connecticut233 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
This trail is mostly paved or at least has good footing, but it does have steep sections. I believe going to the right when you ascend is better than starting on the left, in terms of steepness. There are gorgeous views all along the trail and I absolutely enjoyed our visit. Took a bit over one hour with stopping time. Multiple places to take photos and experience blooming cacti!!
Written June 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al S
111 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is a great, well maintained trail that gets you into the forest and nice views. The trail is well maintained and you cannot get lost. Well sign posted throughout. It is a loop so you can go left or right. The right side is less of a grade at the onset than the left. The left side has some switchbacks and steps so you will huff and puff. The parking area has a 5 buck day use fee but so worth it - the forest will love you for it too. Plenty of parking too so not an issue. It is also right on the road so car will be safe. Enjoy!
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph D
Prescott, AZ267 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
There are 3 trails to reach the saddle, a steep paved trail,center trail and 326 witch connects with 33. Great views of downtown to the East, San Francisco peaks near Flagstaff to the North and Granite Mt. to the Northwest. To walk up one trail and come down another takes is about a 1 hour hike and moderate.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
49thstatetraveler
Prescott, AZ134 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
This is a quick hike that pays off with a great view across Prescott. Take the trail counter clockwise (go right at the start) for a gradual uphill climb. Steeper climb if you go the other way. Coming up the backside when you get almost to the top you suddenly get the view. Worth the walk up. Maybe an hour round trip if you walk fast and don’t stop to enjoy the views.
Written November 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leaflady
Prescott, AZ17 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Thumb Butte is THE iconic trail in Prescott. If you are visiting or new to the area it is a must do. I recommend going up the steep side (on your left as you ascend) and coming down the less steep side. And don't forget your boots and some water!
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debkb1
52 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This is more of a climb up a dirt path or paved path, depending on which way you go. The most stunning views are at the top and along the paved path to the left. We went up the right path and down the left path. I believe this is the most scenic option. Going up can be difficult for older individuals but can be done if you take your time. My husband is 65, not a hiker and, with several rest stops, he made it to the top. Many places to stop and rest. Nice little climb for all fitness levels.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning a trip first 2 weeks in Nov. What was the weather like there? There are also quite contradictory suggestions - going up steep slope and down the less steep and vice versa... pro's cons?
Thanks
Written May 3, 2019
I usually go up the steeper paved trail first then go around and down the less steep dirt trail back to the parking lot. However there are about 3-4 trails in and around Thumb Butte. The hike can be done in either direction. One can make it a one mile hike up to 6 miles.
The first part of Nov is an excellent time to hike this route: cool in the morning and warm later in the day.
Look at the weather report before you go. Afternoon showers are common, so take a wind breaker/rain jacket.
Written May 5, 2019
How long is the round trip hike in miles?
Written November 29, 2018
Short - between 2 & 2.5 miles rt
Written November 30, 2018
Sorry I did not see this earlier. It is not open at the top, but the view all the way up, as far as you can go are spectacular
Written January 7, 2018
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