The City of Prescott has received questions regarding the planned auction of approximately 609 acres of Arizona State Trust Land on the western side of Badger Mountain. The land sale was approved by the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) on September 11, 2025, following an application submitted by a private party. The minimum bid for the auction is $5,295,000, and the auction is currently scheduled for April 2, 2026. The City does not receive advance notice when state land auctions are scheduled, is not involved in determining which parcels are offered for sale, and does not have the authority to cancel or delay a state land auction. As a state agency, ASLD operates under a constitutional mandate to manage trust lands for the benefit of designated beneficiaries and generally does not alter auctions at the request of local governments.
The Badger Mountain portion of the Circle Trail is protected under an existing lease with ASLD that remains in effect through July 31, 2064, regardless of future ownership. The City has previously requested easements related to the “P” on Badger Mountain, but those requests were declined. If the property is sold, the City may explore opportunities with the new owner to pursue a purchase, lease, or easement for specific areas, including the “P,” though no such agreements are guaranteed.
While discussions occurred with the applicant in 2025, a formal proposal was not submitted for Council consideration and Council members were not otherwise interested in discussing a project at this site, which is outside of city limits. The City understands that Badger Mountain is an important cultural and environmental asset for the community and will continue to share factual updates as they become available.
For questions and information contact Danielle Trotter, Public Engagement Manager at 928.777.1401 Ext. 4804 | danielle.trotter@prescott-az.gov
The Badger Mountain portion of the Circle Trail is protected under an existing lease with ASLD that remains in effect through July 31, 2064, regardless of future ownership. The City has previously requested easements related to the “P” on Badger Mountain, but those requests were declined. If the property is sold, the City may explore opportunities with the new owner to pursue a purchase, lease, or easement for specific areas, including the “P,” though no such agreements are guaranteed.
While discussions occurred with the applicant in 2025, a formal proposal was not submitted for Council consideration and Council members were not otherwise interested in discussing a project at this site, which is outside of city limits. The City understands that Badger Mountain is an important cultural and environmental asset for the community and will continue to share factual updates as they become available.
For questions and information contact Danielle Trotter, Public Engagement Manager at 928.777.1401 Ext. 4804 | danielle.trotter@prescott-az.gov