Granite Basin Recreation Area
Granite Basin Lake
Small 30-acre lake at the recreation area entrance. Non-motorized boats only. Shore fishing for stocked trout. Picnic areas around the shore.
Trails
Miles of hiking and biking singletrack. Trail #305 covers 5.5 miles through the foothills. Connecting trails form longer loops. Clark Spring and Yavapai Trails reach the wilderness boundary.
Granite Mountain Wilderness access
The Granite Mountain Trail #261 starts from the Metate trailhead inside Granite Basin. About 8 miles round trip to the Vista. Wilderness rules apply (no bikes, leashed dogs).
Camping
Yavapai Campground and several smaller campgrounds inside the recreation area. Reserve via recreation.gov for some sites; first-come for others.
Day-use fee
Standard National Forest day-use fee applies. America the Beautiful pass covers it. Self-pay station at the entrance.
Frequently asked
Where is Granite Basin Recreation Area?+
Off Iron Springs Road, ten minutes west of downtown Prescott.
Is there a fee?+
Yes, National Forest day-use. America the Beautiful pass covers it.
Can I swim at Granite Basin Lake?+
Wading and swimming are not the primary use; fishing and paddling are.
How do I get to Granite Mountain Trail?+
Park at Metate trailhead inside Granite Basin.
Are mountain bikes allowed?+
Yes on most trails outside the wilderness boundary.
Camping available?+
Yes at Yavapai and other smaller campgrounds.
Related guides
