Mingus Mountain OHV Trail
4-Hour Route
Mingus Mountain to Jerome Trail Overview
Prescott National Forest has a spectacular 4×4 route that few know about on Mingus Mountain Trail (FR-413, FR-493, and FR-104). This off-road trail offers a little bit of everything from dry desert landscapes, red rocks terrain through pine trees, rolling hills through the Black Hills Mountain Range, and endless views of the entire Verde Valley with Sedona and Cottonwood in the background.
This 4-hour route has all types of off-roading to offer from smooth and windy dirt roads, to rougher and rocky sections through pine trees. Furthermore, there’s an option to switch back down 89A and stop in historic Jerome on the way back into the Verde Valley. Unlike the other OHV trails in the area, this is known to be a less congested 4-hour route Vortex ATV Rental can offer.
Starting in Cottonwood, this off-road trail offers a unique OHV experience climbing nearly 4,400 feet to the top of Mingus Mountain. The temperature on top is typically 10-20 degrees cooler than the rest of the Verde Valley, and is a perfect option in any season but wintertime(due to seasonal closures). You can expect seclusion, panoramic views, and a wide variety of terrain along this ATV trail.
Difficulty Rating
Mingus Mountain Trail (FR-413, FR413, and FR-104) is considered an intermediate off-road route that offers a vast variety of terrain for a 4-hour off-roading experience. Fun for all experience levels, the majority of this 4×4 trail is known to be a smoother dirt road.
But be aware as in the middle there’s a very rough and technical section, having to maneuver boulders where high clearance 4×4 vehicles and low-gear is advised. Though the majority of this off-road trail is more smooth, be careful throughout as the road gets more steep, tight, and unexpected the further you travel along this OHV trail.
Off-Road Vehicle Access
Mingus Mountain OHV Trail is advisable to use high clearance 4×4 vehicles, such as side-by-sides, jeeps, ATVs, and dirt bikes. Unfortunately low clearance vehicles would not be able to make it through the entire 4×4 trail. These low-clearance vehicles are discouraged due to potential trail damage, bottoming out, and possible washouts running when weather arises. Certain segments randomly come about that can pose risks without proper maneuvering through bumps, switchbacks, and rocky sections.
Getting to Mingus Mountain OHV Trail
Mingus Mountain Trail ( FR-413, FR-493, and FR-104) can be accessed two ways. The first is from Cottonwood, and the other from Jerome or Prescott off 89A. From the town of Cottonwood, turn towards the Cottonwood Airport at 89A/Mingus Avenue stop light intersection. Drive past Cottonwood Airport entrance and eventually you will go over a cattle guard as the road turns to dirt (FR-413). Continue up this dirt road past the Blowout Hiking Trail parking lot, and the road will become rougher the further you get along the off-road trail.
The other way is from Jerome or Prescott on 89A by turning off 89A toward Mingus Mountain Camp on FR-104. To access the remainder of Mingus Mountain Trail, turn right onto FR-493, which transitions into FR-413 as you get closer to Cottonwood, Arizona.
