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Ragged boulders, some as big as a house, stack on top of each other to an elevation of 7,626 feet in Granite Mountain Wilderness, an area about eight miles away from Prescott. From the summit of Granite Mountain itself you can look across the entire city of Prescott, as well as the towns of Chino Valley and Skull Valley. On southern slopes chaparral (a community of plants including shrub live oak, mountain mahogany, manzanita, and lemonade berry bush) dominates with scattered stands of pinion and juniper. On northern slopes you'll also find pinion, juniper, and some pine and oak higher up. Mule deer and javelina inhabit the area, along with an occasional mountain lion, bobcat, badger, fox, skunk, coyote, rabbit, and smaller rodents. Hikers, horseback riders, and hunters may be found here in abundance, on the three trails totaling 12 miles. Make sure to take plenty of water when hiking in Granite Mountain Wilderness. In 2013 the Doce fire burned approximately 75% of this wilderness.
Maps
Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.
Online Maps
Printed Maps
Management & Regulations
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited in all wilderness areas.
This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.
Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Learn more about
why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.
Applicable Wilderness Law(s)
Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?
Citizens who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities.