Aspen trees on the Thumb Butte loop take visitors back in time.

Just a little ways out of town on Copper Basin is a stand of ‘dinosaur’ aspen, remnants of the last ice age.

Aspens in the Central Highlands? Better hurry, the color won't last long. Photo by Erica Ryberg

According to Prescott College professor Doug Hulmes, aspens grew throughout the lower Bradshaws until several thousand years ago, when they retreated as global temperatures warmed. This stand, likely one individual (aspens reproduce by cloning – one of the largest creatures in the world is an Aspen stand in Utah), is probably the lowest remaining Aspen stand in the Bradshaws. The drainage it grows in keeps the aspen going by giving it more water and cooler air than the surrounding hillsides receive.

The dinosaur aspen stand is easy to get to. Just drive out Copper Basin Road until the pavement turns to dirt and then after a few more miles, start looking on the left for the trees with the white trunks and yellow leaves. If in doubt, FS road 9402D runs right through the stand – you can look for it on the left as well. While there are no developed trails in the area, there are a few dirt roads that wind through the stand, some left from a recent and not-so-gentle forest thinning. Don’t forget to bring the little ones - boulder piles on the high end of the stand are a great place for them to explore. 

Boulders and an ancient aspen grove highlight this accessible hike off of Copper Basin Road. Photo by Erica Ryberg