The first phase of the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System in Prescott, Arizona will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 31 at 4 pm.
The event will take place at the new Bean Peaks trailhead, located three miles south of downtown Prescott, adjacent to the White Spar Campground in the Prescott National Forest. All are welcome.
Phase one of Bean Peaks adds 9.2 miles of trails to Prescott’s already world-class trail system. Gravity flow trails (such as those at Bean Peaks) are mountain bike-optimized, one-way trails with different types of jumps, berms, and technical rock features, providing riders with a fun and roller coaster-like experience.
Bean Peaks gravity flow trails can be enjoyed by riders of many different ages and abilities. Riders can go faster or slower, and many trail features can be either jumped or rolled over, fostering progressive skill development while also providing challenges for expert riders. The trails have been designed to include adaptive bikes, such as recumbent hand-pedaled bikes, making them accessible for riders with limited mobility.
The Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System will be the first of its kind in Arizona.
“We’re very excited about this project and the positive impact it will have on our community,” says Ximena Florez, board president of the Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance.
“Bean Peaks introduces a uniquely enjoyable and healthy recreational option for kids, families, and riders of all ages. It will also attract visitors from around the Southwest, who will bring additional dollars into our local economy, said Joe Baynes, Recreation Services Director.”
The opening of Bean Peaks follows several years of planning, public comment periods, fundraising and construction. The project has involved collaboration among the Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance (PMBA), the Prescott National Forest (PNF), the City of Prescott (CoP), and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).
“The Bean Peaks trails set a high bar for what a community can accomplish through dedication and partnerships, exemplifying what it takes to create stellar, sustainable trails close to home. Bean Peaks will no doubt inspire many more communities,” said David Wiens, IMBA Executive Director.
Trails are being built by IMBA’s Trail Solutions professionals and the Over-the-Hill-Gang, a group of volunteer trail builders established by the City of Prescott. Two new trailheads are being built through a partnership between the City of Prescott and the Prescott National Forest.
For years, the local mountain bike community expressed the desire for such a trail system. In 2020, the project was launched with a $10,000 IMBA Accelerator Grant, with a match by PMBA. Once a sustainable location was identified, IMBA provided a plan to the US Forest Service. In
June 2023, the plan was approved.
Sarah Clawson, Forest Supervisor of the Prescott National Forest, said, “It’s really easy to say, ‘Yes’ when you’ve got the right folks bringing all the energy and resources to the table. It takes passion, patience, and collaboration to embark on this kind of effort. More importantly, the demonstrated commitment to long-term shared stewardship from our partners and the community has made this exciting project possible.”
After the plan’s approval, a broad fundraising campaign was launched. More than $500,000 was raised by local individuals, businesses, and private foundations, mountain bike raffles, the Prescott Trails Challenge, and a gala hosted by the Vivili Hospitality Group. This campaign
allowed construction to commence in October of 2023. The majority of Phase 1 was completed in December 2023, with the construction of another trail beginning in March 2024. The trailheads were largely funded by tax-payer dollars, allocated by the federal government.
Construction of Phase 2 is scheduled for Fall of 2024, and Phase 3 for Fall of 2025. The budget for each phase is approximately $500,000. In total, the project will add 17 miles of trails; 10.5 miles of bike-optimized downhill trails, 4.4 miles of trails designed for uphill mountain bike travel and bi-directional travel for hikers, and 1.9 miles for mountain bikers and hikers, as well as two new trailheads. There will be restoration of 12 miles of unauthorized routes and the motorized trails will be realigned to reduce impact on the watershed.
Fundraising for Phase 2 has already begun. Major promotions from PMBA this year included a mountain bike raffle, and from July to November, PMBA will host the Prescott Trails Challenge, encouraging biking and showcasing Prescott’s trails. In September the Vivili Hospitality Group
will be hosting a gala. Proceeds from all events will go towards Bean Peaks.
The opening of the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System on May 31st will closely coincide with the subsequent National Trails Day, which is aimed at promotion, conservation, stewardship, and trail service.
For more information on Phase 2 of the Bean Peaks trails, and to make donations go to beanpeaks.prescottmtb.com.
