Prescott National Forest

This trail is popular to campers on Mingus Mountain because it provides an easy day hike from the Mingus Mountain Campground to the points overlooking Gaddes Canyon. The trail stays primarily in the ponderosa pine vegetation type and, consequently, there are not many viewing points on the trail except from the edge of the rim before the trail drops down to Forest Road 413. It is not unusual to see deer along this trail.

Access and trailhead location: To access the north trailhead, traveling east from Prescott or west from Jerome on Highway 89A, at the summit north of Mingus Mountain take Forest Road 104 south for approximately 2.25 miles to the Mingus Mountain recreation area and the junction with Forest Road 104B. Take Forest Road 104B (lookout road) to a point about 0.1 miles below the lookout; the trailhead will be on the left of the road.

Travel time: 45 minutes from Cottonwood or Prescott.

Road condition: Dirt, but suitable for all vehicles.

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

Maps, other resources: Prescott National Forest, east half; USGS topographic 7.5' quad for Hickey Mountain.

Trail layout: The trail leaves the lookout road descending to Gaddes Spring and then back to the ridge overlooking Gaddes Canyon. At mile 1.75 the trail descends steeply to where it ends on Forest Road 413.