Prescott National Forest officials are closing the Thumb Butte parking and picnic area for reconstruction starting mid-August; the closure could last for up to four months. Improvements will include increased parking, repaving the road, new picnic tables, grills and a ramada at the existing group picnic site.     

“After considering all the factors in scheduling the work such as the peregrine falcon closure, monsoon weather, and winter conditions, we were left with August through November for reconstruction, which is unfortunately some of our busiest months at Thumb Butte,” said PNF Recreation Manager Bruce Fahrni. 

In order to complete the reconstruction in a safe and timely manner officials decided to completely close the entire developed site during reconstruction. They are asking local residents and visitors to avoid the Thumb Butte area until the work is completed. Trails will remain open, but there will be no parking near Thumb Butte; plan on walking, biking or getting dropped off. 

“Thumb Butte is one of our most popular hiking areas and we are sorry for the inconvenience, but hiking areas such as Granite Mountain, Pioneer Park, and Lynx Lake are great alternatives,” Fahrni said.

For more information stop by the Bradshaw Ranger District at 344 S. Cortez or call (928) 443-8000.