Are e-bikes allowed in Prescott National Forest?

On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Prescott National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 136 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 136 and 136 respectively.

Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Prescott National Forest trails?

No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.

When are bikes open in Prescott National Forest?

Most bike-designated trails in Prescott National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.

USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026

E-Bikes on Prescott National Forest Trails

In Prescott National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 136 trail segments (392 mi), Class 2 on 136, and Class 3 on 136. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 194 segments. On Forest Service land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, so it is allowed only where designated.

136

Class 1 segments

392 mi

136

Class 2 segments

136

Class 3 segments

194

Conventional bike segments

547 mi

E-bike access by class

Where a trail is open to conventional bikes, check the e-bike columns separately — a non-motorized mountain bike being allowed does not by itself mean an e-bike is.

E-bike access by class in Prescott National Forest, from USFS travel-management data
E-bike class	Definition	Trail segments with access	Miles
Class 1 designated	Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.	136	392 mi
Class 2 designated	Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	136	392 mi
Class 3 designated	Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	136	392 mi

Trail-by-trail (largest bike trails)

Conventional-bike and Class 1 e-bike status with season windows, per USFS designation.

Trail	Miles	Bike	Class 1 e-bike	Season
Wagoner	12.19	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Miltary	11.97	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Bullroad	11.47	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Blind Indian	9.99	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Cold Water	8.25	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Tailhoit Mesa	7.93	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Wagoner	7.08	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Lane Mountain	6.99	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	Year-round
Javalina	6.8	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Martin Canyon	6.2	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Anderson	6.03	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Shivers Trap	5.67	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Bradshaw	5.45	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	Year-round
Miltary	5.05	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Cherry Creek	4.87	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Cottonwood Mountain	4.48	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Pine Creek	4.39	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Adra Loop	4.36	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Government Canyon	4.24	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Coop Tank	4.23	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Salida	4.18	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Mint Wash	4.15	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Salida Gulch	4.05	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Sheridan Mountain	3.94	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Wagoner	3.56	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Crystal Springs	3.52	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Secret	3.37	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Tuscumbia	3.25	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Buckhorn	3.22	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Seven Mile Gulch	3.12	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Sycamore	3	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Buzzard	2.86	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Connel Mountain	2.82	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	Year-round
Tip Top	2.74	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Cutoff	2.38	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
7 Up To Hyde Mountain	2.27	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	Year-round
Ridge Top	2.1	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Glen Oaks	1.95	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Coyote	1.94	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round
Black Mesa	1.87	Allowed	Allowed	Year-round

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in Prescott National Forest?: On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Prescott National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 136 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 136 and 136 respectively.
Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Prescott National Forest trails?: No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.
When are bikes open in Prescott National Forest?: Most bike-designated trails in Prescott National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.