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Arizona Hiking Trails
Arizona Hiking Trails
Woodchute Trail | Mingus Mountain Trails | Prescott National Forest
Woodchute Trail | Mingus Mountain Trails | Prescott National Forest
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Woodchute Trail TR 102 | Mingus Mountain Recreational Area | Prescott National Forest
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PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
Mingus Mountain Recreational Area
Woodchute Trail TR 102
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Woodchute Trail Trailhead (FR 106)
ACCESS POINTS
Potato Patch Campground FR 106
Trail use: heavy
Trail difficulty: moderate
Trail length: about 6 miles (up and back)
Estimated hiking time: about 3-4 hours (up and back with stopping to view)
Season of Use: spring, summer, fall (subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change: about 600 feet
More trail info:
• USDA Forest Service
• Maps & Info
For closures or specific information: Prescott National Forest (928) 443-8000
Things to be aware of: no motorized vehicles or bikes allowed on trail, horses allowed. No potable water provided.
Regional area of Woodchute Trail TR 102: in the Prescott National Forest, near Jerome, Cottonwood, Yavapai County, Arizona.
Mingus Mountain Recreational Area
Woodchute Trail TR 102
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Woodchute Trail Trailhead (FR 106)
ACCESS POINTS
Potato Patch Campground FR 106
Trail use: heavy
Trail difficulty: moderate
Trail length: about 6 miles (up and back)
Estimated hiking time: about 3-4 hours (up and back with stopping to view)
Season of Use: spring, summer, fall (subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change: about 600 feet
More trail info:
• USDA Forest Service
• Maps & Info
For closures or specific information: Prescott National Forest (928) 443-8000
Things to be aware of: no motorized vehicles or bikes allowed on trail, horses allowed. No potable water provided.
Regional area of Woodchute Trail TR 102: in the Prescott National Forest, near Jerome, Cottonwood, Yavapai County, Arizona.
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My trail rating: 3
My Trail Review:
This trail runs from the Woodchute Trailhead Parking Area on the south side of Woodchute Mountain to the top of Woodchute Mountain which is at about 7700'. There is plenty of parking for even larger vehicles at the Trailhead and when I hiked they were not charging a fee. There is a sign in box at the gate to the trail so the Forest Service knows who is up on the mountain. The trail shows wear and tear and heavy use which makes it easy to follow. There is signage when you start out and then on one of the intersecting trails but nothing else other than the traditional hikers stones placed here and there to point the way. When you get to the top of the mountain and it flattens out go to the right (east) when you see a "Y" in the trail. The right will take you quickly to the dead end and view area of the Verde Valley below. The left will take you 3.5 miles over 2000' down the North side of the mountain to FR 318A on a more strenuous trail section but then you would need to come back the way you came (13 miles round trip!) or have a ride waiting down there for you.
Today was a clear and very windy day starting out. A bit cool with the wind in the am so I wore a light jacket up and pulled if off on the way down in the hot sun. The trail starts out in shady Ponderosa Pines with a pine needle dirt trail mix and moves up the mountain into Juniper and high desert brush. There is a section or two that have foot size and smaller volcanic (light weight) stone with a mix of pebbles under it that can move out from under your foot and cause a slip or fall so use some caution on those areas. Most of the rest of the trail mix is softer, firm and easy to find your footing. You go up and down a few times into dry washes or ravines with a steady climb up to the top.
There are some good views of the Prescott Basin area to the southwest along the way and I found the final view of the Verde Valley to be well worth the trip up (see photo gallery). I met a few other folks on the trail today. Most all brought their dog(s) along too, everyone was friendly and I found the hike invigorating and enjoyable. Teddy enjoyed this trail too as he bounced along smiling the whole way.
Enjoy the Hike!
Max and Teddy
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MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
If coming from Jerome go south on 89A through the turnbacks till you get to the Mingus Picnic Parking area which will be on your left. Turn right and go up the hill and then left into the Potato Patch Campground, follow the signs all the way back through to the Trailhead parking area.
If you are coming from Prescott area take 89A north towards Jerome till you get to the Mingus Picnic Parking area which will be on your right. Turn left and go up the hill and then left into the Potato Patch Campground, follow the signs all the way back through to the Trailhead parking area.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
If coming from Jerome go south on 89A through the turnbacks till you get to the Mingus Picnic Parking area which will be on your left. Turn right and go up the hill and then left into the Potato Patch Campground, follow the signs all the way back through to the Trailhead parking area.
If you are coming from Prescott area take 89A north towards Jerome till you get to the Mingus Picnic Parking area which will be on your right. Turn left and go up the hill and then left into the Potato Patch Campground, follow the signs all the way back through to the Trailhead parking area.
This RimSurfer Arizona hiking trail photo gallery review features the Jerome area WoodchuteTrail 102 of the Mingus Mountain Recreational Area and in the Prescott National Forest of Arizona.
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