Arizona Hunt Unit 20A Map and Guide – Bradshaw Mountains, Crown King & Prescott NF
- ADVENTURE iDIAZ
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Arizona Hunt Unit 20A sits where the Bradshaw Mountains heave up from the desert and the country turns steep, mineral-scarred, and full of switchbacks. South of Prescott and around Crown King, hunters and hikers work ridges of chaparral and pine, drop into granite canyons, and follow old mining roads that still stitch the forest together. This is transition-zone Arizona at its purest—wild, vertical, and honest.
A ribbon of red dirt climbs through ponderosa and scrub oak toward Crown King, dust hanging in the evening light, the scent of pitch and rain on hot rock. This is 20A’s signature: road names that are really forest roads, creeks that go quiet then surprise you in a shaded bend, and a skyline serrated by old mines and lookout peaks in the Prescott National Forest.
Out here, adventure comes easy. You might snake up Senator Highway (FR 52) by mid-morning, set camp in the pines above Castle Creek by dusk, and spend the blue hour watching ridgelines fade toward the desert. The ground keeps changing under your boots—granite to juniper, manzanita to tall pine—reminding you that Unit 20A doesn’t just host outdoor life; it is outdoor life.
Exploring the Land and Legacy of Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – The Bradshaw Backcountry
20A flies under the radar next to the headline units up north, but that’s part of its draw. In a few miles you’ll climb from Upper Sonoran brush into pinyon-juniper and ponderosa on the Bradshaw spine—Mount Union, Towers Mountain, Juniper Ridge—with elevations that swing hard and fast. The unit wraps Prescott city’s south side and the Bradshaw backcountry, bounded by local streets and highways near Prescott, Iron Springs–Skull Valley–Kirkland, and then south/east via Wagoner/Crown King/Cordes back to I-17. In short: it’s Bradshaw country, through and through.
Long before forest kiosks and OHV waypoints, Yavapai routes and early mining roads defined travel here. Prospectors chased veins into Castle Creek’s granite and up to the high country around Crown King; later, the Forest Service formalized much of that network. Today, Castle Creek Wilderness preserves a brutal-beautiful slice of that terrain on the Bradshaw’s eastern slopes above the Agua Fria—a place of saguaro-to-pine elevation changes and big rim views. History is still underfoot on Senator Highway (FR 52)—named for the 19th-century Senator Mine—and in the New Deal-era facilities around Horsethief Basin, built and improved with CCC/PWA hands.
Hunting in Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – Game Species, Tips & Seasonal Insights
Inside 20A, anticipate the unexpected — steep benches, chopped granite, shifting thermals, and quick decisions at water or shade. Mule deer melt into chaparral shadows; Merriam’s turkeys ghost the ponderosa stringers; javelina drift quietly along rocky washes. Every hillside teaches patience; every canyon hides potential.
Seasonality sets the beat. Early monsoon pulses green up the brush and creek pockets; fall acorns pull black bear across oak slopes; the first frosts move deer between feed and cover. Elk are managed at very low densities here — nomadic, edge-country animals that appear, then vanish — and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) monitors populations through multi-unit “limited opportunity” elk structures for that reason. Quail kick up along grass-and-mesquite seams after summer rains.
Whether you’re glassing from a ridgeline near Crown King or easing along the draws above Castle Creek, hunting in Unit 20A rewards adaptability more than routine. The terrain shifts fast, and success depends on reading wind, light, and elevation as much as animal sign. It’s a unit that favors those who scout hard, move smart, and trust their instincts — because in the Bradshaws, no two hunts ever unfold the same way.mart, and trust their instincts—because in the Bradshaws, no two hunts ever unfold the same way.
Big Game & Wildlife of Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – Species, Habitats & Behavior
From the steep canyons of the Bradshaw Mountains to the open grass flats near the desert edge, Unit 20A is alive with movement and contrast. Every ridge, drainage, and oak draw carries its own rhythm, offering opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers alike across Arizona’s most rugged transition zone.
Mule Deer — The foundation of 20A’s big game. Found along benches and rim breaks where pinyon-juniper fades into chaparral. Early and late-day glassing often reveals quiet groups feeding through the shadows.
Elk (limited/nomadic) — A rare but thrilling find in this unit. These transient herds drift through upper timbered slopes near Mount Union and Towers Mountain, especially after moisture and cooler weather.
Javelina — Common and highly patterned across lower rocky washes and thorny hillsides. Look for fresh rooting near prickly pear stands or along warm canyon bottoms with seep-fed greenery.
Merriam’s Turkey — Thrive in the ponderosa and mixed-conifer ridges of the Bradshaws, particularly around Horsethief Basin and high country drainages. Roosts often line creek corridors near open meadows.
Mountain Lion — The silent predator of 20A. Cats follow the same travel corridors as deer and elk, using steep drainages, shaded canyons, and game trails cut into granite. Track fresh snow or dust for the best odds.
Tree Squirrel — A classic small-game pursuit in the tall pines of the upper Bradshaw range. Active in early morning and late afternoon near oak-pine overlap zones.
Quail (Gambel’s) — Abundant through lower desert basins and grassy flats. Coveys flush fast along disturbed washes after monsoon rains, providing lively action and great variety within short distances.
Trails, Camps & Outdoor Adventures in Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – Exploring the Bradshaw Mountain Wilds
From chaparral ridges above the Hassayampa to pine-scented highlands around Crown King, 20A is Prescott National Forest backcountry first and last — a landscape stewarded by the U.S. Forest Service and defined by its rugged access and history. Many of today’s travel lines are old mining routes turned forest roads; the marquee drive is Senator Highway (FR 52), linking Prescott’s south side with Crown King across the Bradshaws. This is all inside Unit 20A or riding its boundary near I-17 — no borrowed scenery.
Whether you’re hiking a basin loop at sunrise, pitching camp beneath the junipers, or tracing a dirt grade toward Horsethief at golden hour, 20A rewards those who take the time to explore. From Phoenix, the Bumble Bee / Crown King approach off I-17 runs you right into the heart of the unit; from Prescott, Senator Highway is the classic line.
Hiking Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – Trails Through the Bradshaw Backcountry
Every trail in 20A tells a story—of mines, rim winds, and miles that teach pacing. These routes sit inside the unit in the Bradshaw Mountains/Castle Creek-Horsethief Basin neighborhood.
Senator Highway corridor (FR 52) — Not a “highway” at all, but a historic forest road from Prescott to Crown King: long, twisty, scenic, and the spine for trailheads/side trips. High-clearance recommended in wet weather.
Castle Creek Wilderness footpaths — Rugged, brushy wilderness hiking with saguaro-to-pine elevation swings and views down to the Agua Fria. True solitude, true Bradshaw.
Horsethief Basin Lake Loop — Short, easy shoreline loop near Crown King—good leg-stretcher or family stroll when you’re camped nearby.
Camping Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – From Crown King Pines to Desert Benches
Roll in off I-17 or hike/backroad your way into the rims—either way, 20A camping settles you into a quieter rhythm of juniper smoke and night sounds.
Horsethief Basin Recreation Area — A small lake, day-use sites, and nearby Horsethief Cabin (historic rental) deep in the Bradshaws southeast of Crown King. Access via Crown King then FR 52.
Turney Gulch Group Campground — Group site about a mile past Horsethief Lake; pavilion and vault toilets; great base for fishing/hiking in the basin.
Dispersed sites (Bradshaw RD) — Legal dispersed options along designated FR spurs; expect mixed ownership patches—mind posted private inholdings.
Fishing Arizona Hunt Unit 20A – Quiet Waters of Horsethief Basin & the Bradshaw Mountains
Fishing here isn’t about big marinas; it’s about a backcountry pond and creek pockets that fit the country.
Horsethief Basin Lake — Tiny (≈2–3 acres), at ~6,000', with largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish; boating allowed (oar/electric only). Note the ADEQ fish consumption advisory for largemouth bass (mercury)—check the latest notice before you keep fish.
Hassayampa Headwaters vicinity — The river’s source region is in the Bradshaws south of Prescott; riparian pockets and seasonal flows exist in 20A’s high country, but access and water reliability vary—plan for exploration.
Plan & Safety: Always check Prescott NF and BLM updates for fire restrictions and road status; Castle Creek Wilderness is non-motorized. Carry extra water, paper maps, and treat weather seriously—roads here change fast.
Watch the Arizona Hunt Unit 20A Map Overview Video
FAQ – Field Tips & Insights for Arizona Hunt Unit 20A
How should elevation shape my daily loop?
Start on lower benches at first light, climb to pine/shade by midday, and finish where thermals and cover compress movement near water or north-facing cuts.
Best multi-day circuit?
Base near Crown King or Horsethief, hike a Castle Creek ridge day, then slow-roll FR 52 spurs to string together glassing and camp spots.
Best base for mixing hiking, hunting, and fishing?
Horsethief Basin / Turney Gulch keeps you near the lake loop, wilderness edges, and FR arteries for quick pivots.
Any special land-access alerts?
Yes. Inside the forest are private inholdings—obey postings and the ¼-mile rule around residences; many roads are rough and change with weather.
Why Buy Our Arizona GMU 20A Map
When you’re navigating 20A, a good map isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Cell service drops, forest roads fork without mercy, and landownership patches can flip your plan in a heartbeat. Our Arizona GMU 20A Map is built for this reality—tailgate-proof, field-ready, and packed with the tiny details that save hours and miles.
More Roads & Water Sources – Displays more roads, tanks, creeks, springs, and water markings than any other map on the market.
Trails & Recreation Areas – Shows hiking paths, camping access, and recreation corridors clearly for both hunters and backpackers.
Easy-to-Read Layout – Designed for intuitive navigation, with uncluttered detail and field usability in mind.
Durable Construction – Printed on tear-resistant, water-resistant material built for Arizona’s rugged climate.
Compact Scale – 1:100k scale strikes the perfect balance between broad coverage and critical detail.
Detailed Topographics – Includes contour lines and elevation data for glassing, route planning, and terrain analysis.
Recreation Highlights – Campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and recreation touchpoints are marked throughout.
Full-Color Quality – Professionally printed in vibrant, easy-to-read color for maximum clarity outdoors.
Conquer the Bradshaws with the Arizona Hunt Unit 20A Map
Pack smart and travel confident. The Arizona Hunt Unit 20A Map from ADVENTURE iDIAZ gives you the edge across steep canyons, mining-era backroads, and pinyon-chaparral slopes. Keep tabs on AZGFD regulations, check Prescott National Forest updates, and let every ridge and drainage lead you deeper into real Arizona country.
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