Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Senator Highway Trail

Prescott National Forest, Arizona · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Historic mining corridor in the Bradshaw Mountains
  • Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest south of Prescott
  • Quiet trail with good wildlife viewing and solitude
  • Access to the Bradshaw Mountains backcountry

Overview

The Bradshaw Mountains form the backbone of the southern Prescott National Forest, and the Senator Highway corridor is the historic route through that terrain. The 5-mile out-and-back described here follows trail sections through the Bradshaw forest, gaining 800 feet through ponderosa pine and mixed chaparral that represents mid-elevation Prescott Forest character.

The Bradshaws are quieter than the Granite Mountain area and the Thumb Butte corridor, with a different kind of reward: the mining history of the region is embedded in the landscape, old mine prospects visible in the hillsides and the sense of a working 19th-century landscape preserved in the forest. Wildlife is abundant here, with elk particularly common.

This is a solid intermediate trail: longer and with more elevation than the easy Lynx Lake Loop or Thumb Butte, but without the demands of the Granite Mountain Summit or Verde Rim. Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; no sources exist on this section; individual needs vary. Afternoon thunderstorms apply from July through September.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: From the trailhead, the route enters ponderosa pine forest and climbs gradually through the first section. The forest is open, with good light and visibility for wildlife. Old fence lines and occasional mine prospect evidence mark the historic human use of this terrain.

Miles 2.0 to 3.0: The trail steepens into the upper Bradshaw zone, passing through more mixed conifer as elevation increases. Views open across the middle Prescott Forest terrain and toward the south.

Miles 3.0 to 5.0 (return): Turnaround at a natural viewpoint before the terrain becomes more demanding. Return via the same route.

When to Visit

March through November. The Bradshaw Mountains at 5,000-7,000 feet provide a comfortable window. Summer mornings are pleasant but afternoon monsoon storms require early starts. Fall is excellent for wildlife activity.

What to Bring

  • Water: many hikers carry 2 liters; no sources on route; individual needs vary
  • Offline trail map: cell service is absent in the Bradshaws
  • Layers for the elevation and afternoon weather changes
  • Rain gear for monsoon season

See Leave No Trace 7 principles for guidance.

Practical Details

No fee required as of 2026. Dispersed camping permitted. Fire restrictions apply seasonally; verify before building any campfire.

Getting There

From Prescott: Head south on US-89 (Gurley Street south) to Senator Highway (FR 52). Turn onto Senator Highway and continue south approximately 10 miles. The trailhead pullout is on the east side of the road. The initial road is paved; verify current conditions for the transition to gravel.

Check current conditions with the Prescott Ranger District. See checking conditions before you go for resources.

Trailhead Parking

Senator Highway Trailhead on Forest Road 52 south of Prescott. Gravel lot with room for 15 vehicles. No facilities.

← Back to Prescott National Forest

More Trails in Prescott National Forest

strenuousout-and-back

Granite Mountain Summit

7 mi2,200 ft gain
March through November

The signature summit hike of Prescott National Forest, climbing 2,200 feet through chaparral and granite country to panoramic views across central Arizona from one of the state's most storied peaks.

4 min read

easyloop

Lynx Lake Loop

4 mi300 ft gain
Year-round

An easy walk around a scenic high-elevation reservoir in the Prescott National Forest, through ponderosa pine and chaparral with fishing access, wildlife viewing, and year-round accessibility.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Pine Mountain Wilderness Trail

6 mi1,400 ft gain
March through November

A moderate hike into the Pine Mountain Wilderness in the southern Prescott National Forest, climbing through chaparral and ponderosa pine to a broad wilderness ridge with Verde Valley views.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Thumb Butte Loop

1.8 mi400 ft gain
Year-round

Prescott's most popular short hike, circling the distinctive granite thumb visible from the city on a 1.8-mile loop with ponderosa pine forest and views of Prescott and the surrounding mountains.

4 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Verde Rim Trail

8 mi1,800 ft gain
March through November

A moderate-hard hike along the Verde Rim in the eastern Prescott National Forest, gaining 1,800 feet to dramatic canyon views over the Verde River Valley in one of central Arizona's most scenic corridors.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Wolf Creek Trail

4 mi700 ft gain
March through November

An easy-moderate creek canyon hike in the Prescott National Forest's Bradshaw Mountains, following a seasonal stream through riparian habitat with cottonwood, sycamore, and good wildlife diversity.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Woodchute Wilderness Trail

7 mi1,200 ft gain
March through November

A rewarding mesa walk through the Woodchute Wilderness above Jerome, with ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper terrain and sweeping views of the Verde Valley and red rock country around Sedona.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Senator Highway?
Senator Highway is the historic road that once connected Prescott to the mining communities of the Bradshaw Mountains and eventually to Mayer and beyond. The road still exists as a paved and dirt route; this trail runs through the same corridor.
Is this trail suitable for beginners?
The trail is a reasonable next step for hikers who've done shorter routes like Thumb Butte and want to step up to a 5-mile day. The terrain is moderate and the trail well-marked.
Is there wildlife along the Senator Highway Trail?
Yes. The mixed terrain of the Bradshaw Mountains supports elk, mule deer, javelina, and Coues white-tailed deer. The ponderosa-chaparral transition zone provides good habitat diversity.
Is the access road paved?
The initial Senator Highway road is paved. The forest road to the specific trailhead described here transitions to gravel. Standard vehicles are typically suitable in dry conditions.