Prescott
Trails
Challenge
The Prescott Trails Challenge has concluded. Thank you for your incredible support!
Together, we raised $25,000 for Phase 2 of the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails.
The Challenge
The 2024 Prescott Trails Challenge (PTC) is to complete a predefined mountain bike course within a contiguous 24-hour period before Nov. 11th, while raising funds for The Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails
This year’s Challenge has many options for riders of all abilities showcasing the different riding regions in Prescott. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $56 in order to be considered a “finisher”.
Review the options below by region or level of difficulty and select the one you would like to challenge yourself with.
Trail
Routes
PTC 66 miles
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PTC 66 miles
A true adventure ride exploring some of Prescott’s new and lesser used, higher elevation backcountry trails, as well as some traditional long time favorites. This will provide a rider with a good test of endurance, climbing, and a little hike a bike, with some thrilling and extended descending. This route is intended to be ridden counterclockwise.
*Note: There is an unresolved program error on the map. Riding counterclockwise, at mile 61.5 the map has an out and back on the Thumb Butte Connector. The route should go from Potts Creek at 61.5 and continue straight on to trail 51 to connect to the top of Honeybucket. The section on Thumb Butte Connector is not to be used.
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
66.5 miles – 7,831 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Full Circle Trail
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Full Circle Trail
WARNING – DETOUR REQUIRED
Please note that the culvert connecting the Badger trail with the Sundog trail is under construction and closed to bike traffic. Therefore the portion of the circle trail from the connector on the Ranch Trail, to Badger to Sundog will need to be done on the road. Reopening of the trail culvert is expected to be some time in October. We will update this site when the culvert is open. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Please check out the DETOUR details below.
DETOUR – Marked in Orange
– Take Ranch trail to the TH at the bottom
– Go to the road (Walker Rd) and make a left to Route 69
– Cross Route 69 and Make a left
– Continue on 69 to Prescott Lakes Pkwy (you’ll see Walmart)
– Make a right on Prescott Lakes Pkwy
– Go down on Prescott Lakes Pkwy to Sundog Ranch Rd
– Make a right on Sundog Ranch Rd.
– You will see the Peavine Trailhead on your left.
The classic route! The Prescott Circle Trail is a 56-mile iconic singletrack loop trail encircling Prescott, Ariz. The route climbs–and descends–through shaded Ponderosa forests, high desert chaparral, grasslands, and the famous Granite Dells. To tackle the challenge, you’ll need a trail-capable bike, some pedaling fitness, and an adventurous attitude. The trail is best enjoyed with friends and with plenty of snack breaks. Make it a weekend in Prescott and spend the day after your ride relaxing–and enjoy the local cuisine–in Prescott’s downtown courthouse square. After finishing the Prescott Circle Trail, you’ve earned a bit of fun!
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
56 Miles – 5,810 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Half Circle Trail
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Half Circle Trail
Please note that the culvert connecting the Badger trail with the Sundog trail is under construction and closed to bike traffic. Therefore the portion of the circle trail from the connector on the Ranch Trail, to Badger to Sundog will need to be done on the road. Reopening of the trail culvert is expected to be some time in October. We will update this site when the culvert is open. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Please check out the DETOUR details below.
DETOUR – Marked in Orange
– Take Ranch trail to the TH at the bottom
– Go to the road (Walker Rd) and make a left to Route 69
– Cross Route 69 and Make a left
– Continue on 69 to Prescott Lakes Pkwy (you’ll see Walmart)
– Make a right on Prescott Lakes Pkwy
– Go down on Prescott Lakes Pkwy to Sundog Ranch Rd
– Make a right on Sundog Ranch Rd.
– You will see the Peavine Trailhead on your left.
Ride any 26-mile section of the Prescott Circle Trail to complete this course. This is a great option for those who want a stepping stone to the full Prescott Circle Trail, or for those who just want to ride their favorite sections. This challenge requires intermediate-level skills, and the ability to spend a few hours pedaling on the bike. (Trailforks Route)
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
Thumb Butte 11 Mile
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Thumb Butte 11 Mile
The best view from any trail in Prescott is the highlight of this route and the reward for a climb that partially uses double track to get you there. It is a combination of long standing Thumb Butte trails, including parts of the Whiskey Off-Road race course and Prescott Circle Trail, with new trail additions such as the West Spruce Extension. Designed to be ridden counter clockwise.
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
11 Miles – 1,306 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Thumb Butte 21 Mile
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Thumb Butte 21 Mile
This route spans the area between Thumb Butte and Copper Basin Rd, and offers a true single track challenge, with 21 miles and over 2200 ft of climbing. Expansive views to the south on Moby are your reward for the climb, to be followed by vistas stretching in all directions on what some say is the prettiest trail in Prescott, the new West Spruce extension. The long distance views continue from Williams Peak as you make your way back down the mountain. You choose which direction to ride this challenging route, which includes new trails as well as Prescott “old school”. These are 95% blue intermediate trails, with some feeling of exposure on some parts, and natural erosion in places to keep your attention.
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
21 Miles – 2,369 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Pioneer Park 14 mile
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Pioneer Park 14 mile
This is an easy to intermediate 14 mile highlighting the best features of Pioneer park. Starting at the Brown low trailhead you ride over behind the baseball field and head over to Legacy for several climbs and descents. Then over to Jacob’s ladder and longview trail down to Williamson Valley road. Turn around and go back up Longview to Chris Cross, down the 4 steps, down a rock drop, through a number of twisty trails and back to the trailhead.
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
14miles – 780 feet of climbing. (Trailforks Route)
Pioneer Park 6 Mile
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Pioneer Park 6 Mile
This segment consists of two 3.1 mile loops, designed to be ridden clockwise. You can ride the first 3.1 segment twice for an easy pedal with the kids, or ride both segments once. The second contains a few blue trails, but is still a nice pedal. This is a great beginner or kids’ ride.
Difficulty: 1 – Easiest
6 Miles – 347 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Goldwater / Bean Peaks
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Goldwater / Bean Peaks
This ride combines the popular 396/Feldmeier loop with one loop at the new Bean Peaks (BP) Trails.
Start at the Whitespar Trailhead and go up trail 396 for about 3 miles. You will see Goldwater Lake on your left as you get closer to the top of this climb. Rest at the saddle before beginning to go down towards the Feldmeier trail. Expect some technical rocky descents on the lower section of Feldmeier. Make a right at the bottom of Feldmeier to continue on a double track. Take trail 373
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
14.9 Miles – 1,473 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Granite Basin 18 Mile
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Granite Basin 18 Mile
The Granite Basin area was one of the first to have mountain bike trails, and remains a favorite with locals. This route samples trails in the pines among big granite boulders, basalt chunks on the flanks of old volcanic formations, and the Prescott “old school” riding down Mint Wash. Ride counter clockwise for best downhill fun. *Note: cell service is sketchy or non-existent in the GB area.
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
18 Miles – 1,765 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Granite Basin 9 Mile
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Granite Basin 9 Mile
This route is a nice sampling of what Granite Basin Trails have to offer, from pines and unusual granite formations to fun and fast downhills. The route was designed with the intention of turning around after a roll down the “rock feature” on trail 347, but feel free to go farther! What locals call “the whoops” makes the route preferable to be ridden counter clockwise. *Note: cell service is sketchy or non-existent in the GB area.
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
9 Miles – 830 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
E-Bike Peavine-Sundog-Badger 36 Mile
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E-BIKE PEAVINE-PIONEER PARK AND BACK 36 MILE
This easy to moderate e-bike route starts at the North Peavine trailhead. Enjoy an easy warm up by heading South through the Dells for 5 miles, take the connector trail to the west side of Watson lake and up to the roundabout at Hwy 89. Head West on Willow Lake road to the Willow Lake trail, then Embry Riddle trail to Pioneer Park. Ride Legacy, Jacob’s Ladder and Longview to the halfway point at Williamson Valley road. Have fun on the mostly downhill return through Pioneer Park on Longview, Red-Green Switchbacks, and Gunnery. Follow the same route back to the Peavine and split off onto the Iron King, then take Headwaters back around to the Peavine and the trailhead.
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
36 miles – 1,400 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
E-Bike Sundog-Badger 22 Mile
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E-Bike Sundog-Badger 22 Mile
WARNING – TEMPORARY CLOSURE:
The culvert connecting Sundog to Badger is under construction and closed to bike traffic. Reopening of the trail culvert is expected to be some time in October. We will update this site when the culvert is open.
Until then, please turn back at the end Sundog at the dirt road by the Dodge Dealership prior to getting to the culvert.
The total distance will be reduced by approximately 8 miles. Sorry for the inconvenience.
This route is an out and back starting at the Peavine trailhead. It goes through Sundog, Badger and Connector trails, all blue trails. It alternates from climbing to descending. You’ll enjoy great views of Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain, the town of Prescott, Watson Lake and the Dells. On the Badger connector, ride only up to the cattle gate and turn back. The remainder of this trail is not e-bike friendly.
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
22 Miles – 2,329 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Lower Spence 16 Mile
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Lower Spence 16 Mile
This ride has the best Spence Basin has to offer, and includes technical granite boulder challenges and great views on Missing Link, with continued tech thrills along the beautiful lush riparian area along the creek on Little Italy. Recommended to be ridden counter clockwise to take advantage of the fun downhills.
Difficulty: 3 – Harder
16 miles – 1,490 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Lower Spence 8 Mile
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Lower Spence 8 Mile
This route is a loop in Spence Basin encompassing a series of blue trails. Most of the climbing takes place at the beginning of the ride. Start at the main trailhead with a moderate climb up Vista. Enjoy some great views of the area before starting downhill on West Side Story to Tatanka, Side Kick and Noodle back to the trailhead. The terrain is moderate with a few technical features.
Difficulty: 2 – Moderate
8 miles – 562 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Peavine 12 Mile
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Peavine 12 Mile
The 12 mile green route on the Peavine starts at the free parking lot off 89a (not the pay lot by the animal shelter) You will explore many of the newly built single track trails, in addition to the historic rail trails of the Peavine and Iron King. Travel back thru time with sights of old railway cars and the Boblett Cemetery. This route is meant to be ridden at an enjoyable pace.
Difficulty: 1 – Easiest
11 miles – 341 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Pioneer Park Adaptive 7 Mile
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Pioneer Park Adaptive 7 Mile
This Pioneer Park route is open grassland, oak shrubbery, and rolling hills with fast and flowy, wider than normal single track and some double track. All trails are green and there is minimal off-camber and few technical sections. Adaptive MTB wheelbase extends slightly outside of single track, but small rocks are the only hazard. This route was designed to be ridden clockwise in order to take advantage of the downhill sections. A support rider is recommended. Having a paper copy of the route or downloaded on your phone is helpful, as the trail names differ on Trailforks from signage and the intersections can be confusing.
Difficulty: 1 – Easiest
7 miles – 512 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
Spence Basin Adaptive 5 Mile
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Spence Basin Adaptive 5 Mile
This green route in Spence Basin is a combination of great single track and a portion of rail trail that wind through a beautiful pine forest. The single track is slightly narrow for adaptive MTBs, but there are minimal hazards on trail edges outside of occasional prickly pear cactus. There are a handful of technical sections and short off-camber sections, as well as short punchy inclines. By riding this route clockwise, a steady climb from the parking lot to the top of Vista is rewarded by some great downhill. A support rider is recommended.
Difficulty: 1 – Easiest
5 miles – 541 feet of climbing (Trailforks Route)
The Rules
If you’re accepting the Prescott Trails Challenge, you’re accepting responsibility for yourself and these terms and conditions. You’re also agreeing to be a courteous and responsible trail user. Juniors are required to have a liability form signed by their parents or legal guardians.
Your selected distance must be completed within 24 hours before November 9th, 2024. For a result, you must submit your ride and meet the minimum fundraising requirements of $56 on your Rally Up fundraising page.
Time moving is what we will use for final results – time spent yielding to other trail users, stopping for views, snapping pictures, and refilling bottles along the route won’t factor into your time. This Challenge is about going the distance and raising funds for Prescott trails.
Finisher prizes will be available for pick-up at our Prescott Trails Challenge party on November 9th at the Barley Hound in Prescott, AZ (more details to come!). You can request shipping of your prize if you’re willing to cover costs.
Who can participate?
How do I participate?
You can participate by taking the Challenge and registering to ride one of the distances available, or by making a donation or both.
The ultimate goal of the event is to raise funds for Prescott Trails and anything you can do to advance this goal is helpful.
What are the ride options?
There are many ride options showcasing the varied trail regions in Prescott with varying levels of difficulty. You can find them in the “Trail Routes Section”.
Click on the left pulldown field to select options by region or bike type. Click on the right pulldown field to select option by difficulty level where 1 is easier and 3 harder.
You will see a list of available routes for the selection criteria you specified. Click on the “+” circle next to the route name to see its description and the link to the route map in Trailforks.
You don’t have to decide what route you are going to ride prior to registration. When you submit the ride, you will have the opportunity to indicate which route you chose for your challenge.
How do I sign up/register
Click on “Take the Challenge”. On the next screen, click on “Register”.
You can register as an individual, as part of a team. If you are the leader of the team, you can create the team and register at the same time.
If you prefer to pay now the minimum fundraising requirement, select the first option and add to cart.
If you prefer to raise the funds at a later time, select the second option and add to cart.
If you are participating as part of a team, make sure to add the team name upon signing up.
If you are creating a team, select the third option also and “add to cart”.
How to make a contribution to a team or an individual.
From the main page click on “Take the Challenge or Contribute”. On the next page, click on “Contribute”; enter the amount you want to donate and click “add to cart”. On the next page, click on “check out now” and follow the prompts.
How to Submit Ride
From the main screen, select the menu option “submit a ride” and follow the prompts.
What are the prizes?
We will have custom coasters from Aravaipa Artworx for all participants of the Prescott Trails Challenge who meet the minimum fundraising requirement of $56.
There will also be prizes for the top 10 fundraising individuals.
Where does the money go?
The money goes to support the buildout of Phase 2 of the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails.
The
History
The Prescott Trails Challenge was founded by Chloe Woodruff in the wake of event cancellations during the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chloe needed a challenge for herself to keep motivated to train for the Tokyo Olympics, and wanted to give back to the trails to which she attributes much of her career success.
The Challenge has raised $100,000 for PMBA since 2020. This year’s funds will go towards building Phase 2 of Bean Peaks.
Sponsors
Gold
