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If any mountain biker visiting Prescott were only able to do only one ride, I would take them on this.


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13.2

Miles

21.2

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,027' 1,837 m

High

5,555' 1,693 m

Low

1,204' 367 m

Up

1,204' 367 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Painted Rock trailhead is well known to the locals. This loop utilizes some of the most amazing fast flowy singletrack from the go. To start your ride, head down the West Trail #318 then onto Firewater Trail #325—by this point, I can guarantee you'll be smiling big! The entire loop is amazing. Make sure you slow down to look at some of the scenery especially views along Willow Creek and when winding around Juniper Gate. Painted Rock (also known as White Rock) is a no-fee parking lot just up the mountain past Thumb Butte Recreation Area.

Description

Painted Rock used to be a painted rock along the trailhead. Now it is a improved parking lot on Thumb Butte Road, just past Thumb Butte Recreation Area. Start here.

Head down West Trail #318, which is fast and fun. Then, hang a left of Firewater Trail #325 for more fast and fun riding. Bottom out along Willow Creek before heading right up and over some cliffs looking down into Willow Creek. Stay right onto Noodle Trail for a little bit, and after crossing Spence Springs Road, look for Juniper Gate and another trailhead. Continue through some amazing winding singletrack up to Vista Trail, going left at a couple of big juniper trees. This tops out on Javelina Trail #332.

Go right up to the upper parking lot and look for West Side Story, which will take you down and around the whole valley. Stay on West Side Story all the way until you hit Russ T. Fender (and you want to hit Russ T. Fender—it's one of my favorites in the whole loop). Russ T. Fender eventually comes into Tatanka, and brings you back to Javelina Trail #332. Follow Javelina Trail #332 up and up until you hit West Trail #318 and back the Painted Rock parking lot.

History & Background

Painted Rock used to be a big rock painted white marking the trailhead. Now it is a improved parking lot on Thumb Butte Road just past Thumb Butte Recreation Area. It's a no-fee parking area right in the middle of Prescott's singletrack.

Contacts

Shared By:

michael maier with improvements by Bob Curran and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 23 votes

#787

Overall
  4.4 from 23 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#41

in Arizona

#787

Overall
146 Views Last Month
9,058 Since Sep 29, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
38%
13%
0%

Photos

Supreme technical skills.
Sep 6, 2015 near Prescott, AZ
West Side Story
Nov 26, 2017 near Prescott, AZ
RIP Dave Mangan
Jul 29, 2018 near Prescott, AZ
West Side Story
Nov 26, 2017 near Prescott, AZ
Juniper Gate
Jul 29, 2018 near Prescott, AZ
Maile doing some climbing
Nov 26, 2017 near Prescott, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Apr 17, 2025
Billy Morgan
Nov 6, 2024
Healy Fuess
Jul 24, 2024
Jason Melton
May 27, 2023
Jorden Whicker
I've ridden many trails throughout Arizona, and this is in my top 3 of all time! Plenty of flowy singletrack, fun technical, steady climbs, amazing! 13.5mi — 2h 30m
Nov 17, 2022
Cody Williams
Sep 14, 2022
Clark Perry
The trail is in great shape even after rain yesterday! 13.4mi — 2h 19m
Sep 1, 2022
Gary Coraggio
Apr 1, 2022
Gabe Mangold
13.2mi — 4h 45m
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