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Mingus Meander, AZ
mini location map2016-10-14
2 by photographer avatarMountainMatt
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Mingus Meander, AZ 
Mingus Meander, AZ
 
Hiking12.42 Miles 2,240 AEG
Hiking12.42 Miles   7 Hrs   24 Mns   2.45 mph
2,240 ft AEG   2 Hrs   20 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Mescal Trail #547
Butterfly Trail #536 - Mingus
Middle Trail #537
View Point Trail #106
Partners none no partners
Oh what to say about this one other than I underestimated the beauty that lies on Mingus Mountain!
I never even gave this place the chance because I thought it had nothing of interest to me but boy was I wrong!

I started my day in the afternoon at the Mescal Tank/ Trail and immediately feel in love with the area about a 1/4 mile into the hike!
Lush dense strands of oak and pine along a dry drainage made for quite a nice pleasant and shaded ascent up the mountain during the warm afternoon.

After awhile I left the trail and continued straight up the mountain on game trails cross country for a mile or so and made aim for Butterfly Spring. The spring and ground were bone dry, I then proceeded onward to the surprise junction of The Butterfly and Middle Trails. I took the #537 express to until it's close proximity with Mingus Lake which at that time I departed the trail and just bee-lined it in the lakes direction.
During the process I spooked what I believe was the fourth herd of deer I encountered throughout the day, my dog Payton was too dumbfounded or maybe just drooling too hard to even notice almost everytime.

I had lunch at the lake and went up to what I thought was a legallly accessible highpoint and lookout tower but I was soon greeted with a "No Trespassing Sign".
I cracked my would to be summit beer not far away, reviewed the map and then ventured onwards with my "originally" planned loop...

Upon hitting the Viewpoint Trail I was downright astounded about what I was seeing! :o
Dynamic sweeping views as far as my perfect vision could see lit up the horizon and my needs were satisfied!
I setup shop in a area of comfort and just sat back and enjoyed the sunset show!
Although it could have used a little clouds in the scene I still fully appreciate every single sunrise and sunset that I have on this earth.

I decided to change my original sweet loop plans of heading down the Viewpoint Trail to its bottom starting point and then following the jeep trail back to the Mescal Tank but since I stayed taking sunset photos until complete darkness I made a route switch.
I wimped out and took the road walk all the way back to my SUV...
My unfamiliarity with the area, low headlamp batteries and the simple fact I've been watching way too many wicked horror movies during this month of October made me take the easy way back. :scared: :sweat:

Mingus Mountain sure has my heart and I thoroughly enjoyed meandering around this often overlooked gem of a place. 8)
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
All the Oak has turned to brown and the majority of the Maples are great but maybe a week or so past prime but overall there is beautiful fall foliage action going on right now!

dry Butterfly Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

dry Butterfly Tank Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Elks Well 26-50% full 26-50% full
A marsh land area with a decent amount of water.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Mescal Tank 26-50% full 26-50% full
More like the "Mescal Puddle"

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Mingus Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
If it wasn't so dirty/silty it would be a nice little pond.

dry Red Seep Spring Dry Dry
_____________________
  3 archives
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MountainMatt's
530 Photosets
  2016-10-19
  2016-10-14
  2016-10-08
  2016-10-07
  2016-10-07
  2016-10-01
  2016-09-29
  2016-09-26
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