It's back! Someone returned the landmark 1-ton boulder that went missing in Arizona

Weldon B. Johnson | The Republic | azcentral.com

Like magic, Wizard Rock is back.

A Prescott National Forest employee on patrol discovered the 1-ton boulder back in its rightful place on the morning of Nov. 1, reports The Arizona Republic, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

The Arizona landmark, known locally as Wizard Rock, was reported missing about two weeks ago from its familiar location on State Route 89 near White Spar Road south of Prescott.

The boulder's disappearance attracted media attention nationwide. Its disappearance — not to mention who took it — was the cause of much speculation.

Sarah Clawson, a ranger for Prescott National Forest's Bradshaw Ranger District, was just glad to have the boulder back where it belonged on Friday morning.

“We are thrilled the Wizard Rock was returned and are grateful that whoever took it was conscientious enough to give it back to the public," Clawson said in an emailed statement. “National forests provide so many benefits to the American people, and when something like this happens, it highlights the intrinsic value of natural beauty in all its forms.”

Earlier this week, the forest's Trails and Wilderness Manager Jason Williams said it would have taken heavy equipment to move such a large stone.

“The easy way to do it would be a back hoe,” Williams said. “But, if you had a trailer positioned properly and didn’t mind beating some things up you might be able to do it with a Bobcat. But you surely aren’t going to be able to do it any other way.”

New home for Wizard Rock?

Prescott National Forest officials are considering moving Wizard Rock to a new location, where its “beauty and uniqueness” can be more easily seen by visitors, according to the emailed statement.

Forest officials remind the public that permits are required to gather and remove most forest products, including rocks and minerals, firewood, plant and trees.