Guides/Overland routes/Arizona
Overland route36 midifficulty: moderate

Senator Highway (Forest Road 52)

RegionArizonaAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Senator Highway (Forest Road 52) — overland route near Prescott, Arizona, Arizona
Photo by gizilich via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
36mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance 4WD recommended for the southern Bradshaw segment; the northern segment out of Prescott is graded dirt suitable for high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions.
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Cell coverage
None on the central segment. Service returns near Prescott and Crown King.
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Senator Highway is the historic name for Forest Road 52, a 36-mile north-south route through the Bradshaw Mountains on Prescott National Forest's Bradshaw Ranger District. The road runs from the south edge of Prescott to the mining-era town of Crown King, following a 19th-century stage and freight road that served the silver and gold camps of Hassayampa, Palace Station, and Goodwin. Most drivers run the full road in a long day with stops at the mining sites along the way.

The north end out of Prescott is graded dirt with passenger-car access in dry conditions. The grade gets rougher south of Palace Station and the final descent into Crown King over Mount Wasson is loose, narrow, and often washed out. Crown King sits at 5,800 feet with a saloon, restaurant, and small store but no fuel.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Loose volcanic rock. Sidewall punctures are common on the southern segment. Bring a spare and a plug kit.
  • Shelf-road exposure. The Mount Wasson section is narrow with significant drop-offs. Use pullouts and drive at idle speed.
  • Winter snow. January and February typically close the southern segment. April through November is the practical window.
  • Summer thunderstorms. Monsoon storms wash out drainage crossings and can close the road for days.
  • No services. No fuel, no cell service, and limited water on most of the route.

Location

36 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 34.412, -112.336

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townPrescott, Arizona
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/prescott
ClosedJan, Feb, Jul, Aug
Approx. location34.412, -112.336

Getting there

Directions

From Prescott (north entry). From downtown Prescott, drive south on Mount Vernon Avenue, which becomes Senator Highway / Forest Road 52 at the city limits. The pavement ends a few miles south of town.

From Crown King (south entry). Take I-17 to the Bumble Bee exit (exit 248). Drive west on Crown King Road / FR 259 for 26 miles to Crown King. Senator Highway / FR 52 leaves the north side of town.

Photos

3 photos

Photos · 3

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Senator Highway leaves Prescott on the south edge of town and runs the spine of the Bradshaw Mountains south to Crown King. Prescott NF's Bradshaw Ranger District manages the route. Three connector roads feed into the network: Crown King Road from the east (FR 259, off I-17 at Bumble Bee), Senator Highway from the north, and the Wagoner-Yarnell roads from the west. Most overlanders run the route Prescott to Crown King and return via I-17 through Cleator and Bumble Bee.

Trail Overview

Thirty-six miles point-to-point on Forest Road 52. The first 14 miles south of Prescott are graded dirt through ponderosa pine, passing the historic Palace Station stagecoach stop. South of Palace Station the road narrows and the grade steepens. The final approach to Crown King climbs over Mount Wasson on rocky shelf-road sections that warrant 4WD. None of it is rock crawling, but the shelf-road segments demand attention. Most drivers cover the route in five to seven hours including stops.

Points of Interest

  • Palace Station. A restored 1875 log stagecoach stop on the National Register of Historic Places, midway down the route.
  • Hassayampa Lake. Small reservoir off the road's eastern side, accessed by a short spur.
  • Goodwin and Senator townsites. Mining-era ghost towns; foundations and tailings remain along the road.
  • Mount Wasson. The route's high point, around 7,400 feet, with views east into the Agua Fria drainage.
  • Crown King. The southern terminus. Population around 100. The Crown King Saloon dates to the 1890s and remains the obvious lunch stop.
  • Horsethief Basin Recreation Area. Six miles southeast of Crown King via FR 259. USFS campgrounds, lake, and lookout.

Where to Camp

Prescott NF dispersed camping is allowed off the main road with the standard 14-day stay limit. Hilltop and Lower Wolf Creek Campgrounds sit on or near the route's northern segment. Horsethief Basin and Kentuck Springs Campgrounds are reached via FR 259 east of Crown King. Crown King also has a private campground at the south end of town.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Run north-to-south. The Mount Wasson shelf-road descent is easier facing the inside.
  • Snow closes the southern segment most of January and February. The April-November window is the practical season.
  • Carry recovery gear and a spare. The southern segment punctures tires regularly on volcanic rock.
  • No fuel on the route. Top off in Prescott or in Mayer (off I-17). Crown King has no gas station.
  • The Bradshaw Ranger District (928-443-8000) handles current closures and conditions.
  • Combine with Crown King Road (FR 259) east to I-17 for a 65-mile loop that returns via pavement.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Senator Highway (Forest Road 52)?
Senator Highway (Forest Road 52) is rated moderate. The route runs 36 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Senator Highway (Forest Road 52)?
High-clearance 4WD recommended for the southern Bradshaw segment; the northern segment out of Prescott is graded dirt suitable for high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions.
When is the best time to visit Senator Highway (Forest Road 52)?
The best months are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov. Avoid Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug.
Is there cell service at Senator Highway (Forest Road 52)?
None on the central segment. Service returns near Prescott and Crown King.