Prescott National Forest

This trail on the south side of Woodchute Mountain was established along what was once a bulldozer track. The bulldozer was used to create several cattle watering tanks on Woodchute Mountain. The top of the mountain is an open stand of second growth Ponderosa pine, the original forest having been completely cut years ago. When the copper mines at Jerome were in operation, loggers obtained shoring timbers for the mines from this mountain. They transported the logs by way of a chute extending down the north side of the mountain to loading platforms for the narrow gauge railroad which served Jerome. That railroad track is now Forest Road 318. There are splendid panoramic views from the mountaintop in all directions.

Access and trailhead location: The best access to this trail is from Highway 89A. Go to the Potato Patch Campground just east of the summit on 89A. Then take Forest Road 106 west for 0.3 miles to the power line. The trailhead is just under the power line. Forest Road 106 is suitable for high clearance vehicles in fair weather. This road is not maintained. This trailhead is scheduled to be moved closer to the Potato Patch Campground. Alternate access from the Chino area is by way of Forest Road 354 to just south of Perkinsville. Take Forest Road 318 south from there, then west on Forest Road 318A for 1.3 miles to the north trailhead. Access from Jerome is also by way of Forest Road 318 around the north side of Woodchute Mountain.

Travel time: 1 hour from Chino Valley.

Road condition: Paved, then dirt on Forest Road 106.

Use restrictions: The use of any mechanized or motorized equipment, including bicycles, is prohibited.

Recommended season of use: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Maps, other resources: Prescott National Forest, east half; USGS topographic 7.5' quads for Munds Draw and Hickey Mountain.

Trail layout: From the south trailhead it is a fairly easy climb of 2.75 miles to the top of Woodchute Mountain, then another 3.5 miles down the north side to the north trailhead and the old narrow gauge road (Forest Road 318) to Jerome. The south ascent is the easiest since it only climbs 600 feet to the summit. From the top at 7,700 feet to the north trailhead the descent is 2,260 feet. There are some steep switchbacks on this side.

Precautions: There is no drinking water along this trail.