Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System:
The first of its kind in Arizona.
Gravity flow trails are mountain bike-optimized, directional trails peppered with jumps, berms, and technical rock features, providing riders with a fun, roller coaster-like experience. Through a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance, City of Prescott and IMBA, the state of Arizona is now home to the first gravity trails on National Forest land. These trails have also been designed to include adaptive bikes, such as recumbent hand-pedaled bikes, making them accessible for all those who love to ride.
Trail Champions: Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails
Phase one (of three) was completed in March 2024, adding 9.2 miles of trails to the already world-class trail system, and is officially open. Thanks to an IMBA Trail Accelerator grant, IMBA Trail Solutions designed this system, which was a cooperative/hybrid build by IMBA Trail Solutions, the City of Prescott, and PMBA volunteers (notably the Over the Hill Gang). This first phase includes beginner, intermediate and advanced trails accessed less than a mile from downtown.
How did they do it?
Planning & Design, Preliminary Fundraising, and Permitting Steps
The opening of Bean Peaks follows several years of planning, public comment periods, fundraising and construction. In 2020, the project was launched with a $10,000 IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant, with a match by Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance. Once a sustainable location was identified, IMBA provided a plan to the U.S. Forest Service.
January 2020: Trail Accelerator Grant
Public comment periods to explore user perspectives and impacts of the new trails plan were launched and supported across Arizona by multiple user groups.
March 2022: Public Comments Are Made
Public comments and IMBA’s expertise helped the U.S. Forest Service professionals approve the plans for Bean Peaks. 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.”
Timeline
Phase One Was Completed in May 2024
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. The trailhead improvements were largely funded by tax-payer dollars, allocated by the federal government. The majority of Phase 1 was completed in December 2023 and IMBA returned to finish in March 2024.
Learn more about Bean Peaks and the plans and momentum for Phase 2.
Phase 2 is Underway
Construction of Phase 2 began in Fall of 2024, moving towards an expansion of another 6.9 miles of directional, bike-optimized trails featuring tabletops, rollers, berms and technical rock features. Fundraising for Phase 2 included a mountain bike raffle, the Prescott Trails Challenge, encouraging biking and showcasing Prescott’s trails; and a gala hosted by the Vivili Hospitality Group with all proceeds going to Bean Peaks.
Phase 3: Construction Fall 2025
This final phase will consist of 4.7 miles of intermediate and advanced trails, including 3.5 miles of gravity flow trails.
Completion & Maintenance
In total, the project will add 17 miles of trails; 10.5 miles of gravity trails, 4.4 miles of trails designed for uphill bike travel and bi-directional travel for hikers, 1.9 miles for shared use, and 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. After completing all three phases, efforts will pivot towards maintaining and enhancing the trails to ensure their long-term viability and continued enjoyment for users for many generations to follow.
