Horsethief Basin Recreation Area

Prescott National Forest
344 So. Cortez St., Prescott, AZ 86303
Phone: (928) 443-8000

From Phoenix, you will travel Interstate 17 North to Exit #259. Go west on County Road #73. Proceed west 3.4 miles to Cordes to the stop sign. Turn left (south) onto County Road #179, travel 2.9 miles to a “Y”. Stay right on the “Y” and travel 0.9 mile to a stop sign. Turn right onto County Road #59 traveling west and stay on County Road #59 through Cleator to Crown King (17.25 miles). At the turn off into the community of Crown King, the road becomes Forest Road #259. Continue straight on Forest Road #259 approximately 0.6 mile to a road junction. Stay left on Forest Road #52 and drive 6.2 miles to Horsethief Basin.

Horsethief Basin Recreation Area is nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains near Horsethief Basin Lake and the Castle Creek Wilderness in the Prescott National Forest. The area is rich in history, including early Native American inhabitants and later in the 1860s, home to horse thieves and rustled livestock. Now these peaceful mountains provide a variety of recreation activities for those wishing to enjoy both the heritage and beauty of the Bradshaw Mountains.

You will find Horsethief Basin Lake, a small lake that offers non-motorized boating and fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.

Hiking opportunities include the upper Sonoran Desert of Castle Creek Wilderness. Most of the wilderness trails are maintained and offer rugged and diverse terrain. Trails include: Horsethief Canyon #30, Algonquin #225, Twin Peaks #240, Castle Creek #239, Jim Creek #235, and Willow Creek #236. Both hikers and bikers will enjoy East Fort #31 and Horsethief Recreation Trail #202 just outside of the wilderness boundary.

Off-Highway Vehicles can venture out on the Kentuck #217, Lane Mountain #233, and Tip Top “#234 trails. Surrounding Forest Service roads are also available. All Off-Highway Vehicles need to stay on roads and trails.

Horsethief Lookout Tower as well as Hazlett Hollow and Turney Gulch Campgrounds are in close proximity to the cabin. Enjoy the high peaks of the Bradshaws and the diverse recreation opportunities that surround Horsethief Cabin. Please do your part to leave the facility and site in better shape than you found it.