Upper Mescal Trail #550 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mingus Oaks and Butterfly with Gaddes, AZ

Hiking		Jun 12 2024
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.31 Miles	3,366 AEG

Hiking	18.31 Miles	8 Hrs 37 Mns	2.58 mph
	3,366 ft AEG	1 Hour 32 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I suggested three reasonable hikes and Bruce picked the coolest/easiest option. FR104 is the turn off 89A and is now paved for a mile or two. Driving up, the camps or retreats were loaded. We parked in the big lot just before the smaller #106 lot.

North Mingus Trail #105
We hiked the road up to the hang glider launch, the south end of #105. The drop is steep with great views if you look past your feet. I much prefer to ascend but know how much Bruce hates the ascent. He ran down and played with Spotted Towhees at the junction while I inched down without dying.

Bug Hollow Trail #548
From #105 we utilize the nice shaded use-trail to Bug Hollow. It's the steepest 0.5-mile stretch of the day but almost goes unnoticed with good tread through the forest. A slight descent put us in good spirits on Bug Hollow for 0.8 miles.

Upper Mescal Trail #550
0.75 miles up to an 0.4 mile use-trail that delivers us to the Mingus Picnic/Rest Area we occasionally use as a starting point. The use-trail is notable for yellow bark locust thickets. Which is a semi-friendly stage between the nightmare bush stage and the tall 6-10 inch diameter tree version. Leveling out to the rest area we listened to a few house wrens.

Butterfly Trail #536 - Mingus
Whereas Bug Hollow is typically a cool bugless pocket, this nicer-named drainage was warmer and gnatty due to a stagnant trace of a creek after the full dam.

Middle Trail #537
Middle children are often excluded, ignored, or even outright neglected because of their birth order. That makes perfect sense if you hike this trail, but it gets the job done. Bruce once found a Fitbit along this trail. He attempted to contact the owner without success so it's one of the many stories replayed throughout the hike.

Lunch
We enjoyed lunch on a cool concrete picnic table.

Coleman Trail #108
I don't hike as much as grandpa push-ups & speedos, so this segment was cursing my world. To make matters worse, somebody moved my damn tree and killed it.

Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Despite 87° I love this trail. The new twist to us was a long stretch of poison ivy. Nearly a dozen times I heard... you brushed against it. I increasingly tried to avoid it but the concern is mute compared to avoiding the biting noseeums that deliver 10x pain.

Gaddes Canyon #110
Bruce carries postage-stamp-sized alcohol wipes so we attempted to remove the antigen oil urushiol. Either that worked or my legs were slathered in enough cryptobiotic dirt, cuz nothing has surfaced or itched a day later now.

Synopsis
Mingus is fabulous in the Autumn and a nice option otherwise. JBM,

joe

butterfly

mode, emitted a steady release of therapeutic joy throughout the hike. Zero hikers encountered. We would have passed more hikers along Inner Basin but not sure I could have dealt with BBM crying up a storm about a beautiful six-mile road walk.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] New Mexico Locust Poison Ivy

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Not much, it's almost summer.

	Butterfly Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	maybe a half quart a minute, anything more is an exaggeration.

Butterfly Tank

Dry

	Mescal Spring	Dry	Dry
	No such moisture was obsevered

	Mingus Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	As full as I recall and well-used, parking was full when we left.

_____________________

- joe

Jun 12 2024

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mingus Oaks and Butterfly with Gaddes, AZ

Hiking		Jun 12 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.69 Miles	3,302 AEG

Hiking	18.69 Miles	8 Hrs 37 Mns		2.61 mph
	3,302 ft AEG	1 Hour 27 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Joe's week to pick and with the temps soaring, the choices were getting slimmer. Wally had a last-minute charging problem and bailed. After discounting Lion Peak, we settled on this loop that we've done many variations of over the years (usually in the fall for the colors). I like this figure 8 loop because the loops are divided almost in half. Parking the vehicle at the crossover spot allows you to carry half the water, leaving the remainder as well as your lunch in a cooler, with available picnic tables, restrooms, etc.

We opted to hit up the northern part of the loop first. Nice cool temps heading down the North Mingus Trail #105. The trail is loaded with oaks and maples which are beginning to encroach on the trail in many places. Good views to the north of Bill Williams, Sitgreaves, Kendrick, and the SF Peaks. To the west, the nearby Woodchute.

We've been using a steep 2-track, that turns into a pleasant non-official trail, short cutting to Bug Hollow #548. We wound our way over to our short road walk (now paved) to the Butterfly Trail. The water behind the dam was surprisingly full.

All this led to our vehicle, lunch, and a fluid refill.

The Trail #108 is my least favorite trail out here but necessary to complete the loop. It's rocky and hot, being exposed. It does afford some good views, but you must stop hiking to take them in. At this point, the JBM was in the yellow, fast approaching the red. I could hardly wait for the climb up Gaddes Canyon.

The Gaddes 2 and Gaddes Trails are pretty trails that climb 3.5 miles and 1300' back to our starting point. It's mostly under tree cover, helping with the heat approaching the mid-80s. The new problem this year seems to be the addition of quite a bit of PI. Not a moment too soon, we made it back to the car. Joe's meter had pegged and broken.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dam - Rock

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Butterfly Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Running and the water behind the dam was close to full

Mingus Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Oct 21 2023

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 556
Photos 10,872
Triplogs 1,052

43 male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 21 2023
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,052

Hiking	6.61 Miles	1,202 AEG

Hiking	6.61 Miles	3 Hrs 4 Mns	2.42 mph
	1,202 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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I remember thinking there could be some nice fall colors along this trail when I hiked it in the summer and after perusing through some past triplogs, I knew my timing was probably good, so I gave it a shot this morning with Dot.

I did not necessarily get blown away by the fall colors, (Buck Springs is a tough act to follow) but I still really enjoyed the nice cool morning hike with Dot. The colors almost seemed past their prime. There is some green still hanging on, but by the time they change the rest of the leaves may be on the ground. I swear some of those oaks go from green to brown. I initially planned to take a break and turn around at Mescal Spring, but the final few tenths of a mile did not seem promising for running across a mountain oasis. I actually ended up checking past reports about 500 feet from the spring and decided I was probably not going to miss much. We turned around at there and headed back to the intersection in the shaded gulch for a little break. A little climbing to get back to the TH, but nothing too bad. I am sure there are better colors some where on that mountain, but we did not leave disappointed. In fact, the dull, rustier oaks kind of reminded me of back home in northern Michigan, so there was a little nostalgia to the hike.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

_____________________

5 archives

Jul 22 2023

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 556
Photos 10,872
Triplogs 1,052

43 male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2023
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,052

Hiking	10.09 Miles	1,975 AEG

Hiking	10.09 Miles	4 Hrs 45 Mns	2.47 mph
	1,975 ft AEG	40 Mns Break

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BiFrost

John9L

I don't have a strong grasp of the trails we hiked, but this was a nice little loop on Mingus Mountain and it exceeded my expectations. In particular, the forested sections along the north side of the mountain proved especially scenic and I was impressed by the diversity of trees intermingled in the drainages that we traversed in and out of.

We started off on the Upper Mescal Trail and then continued on to the Bug Hollow Trail. Both trails proved pleasant in condition and scenery and I enjoyed the opening stretch through the mixed forest of conifers and hardwoods. The North Mingus Trail continued to exceed my expectations and I really enjoyed this stretch of the loop. There were a couple of warm stretches along here and the final climb will grab your attention a little, but it was an otherwise pleasant stretch of trail that included some scenic traverses of nicely forested drainages that possessed a diverse amount of trees ranging from oak, to maple, various firs, spruce, ponderosa and even some aspen up high. The trail was in great shape as well.

After topping out, we walked the rim trail to the road and then took a series of surprisingly pleasant trails along with a little cross country travel and a quick paved road walk back to the car.

A nice day out on Mingus overall, specifically, the first half of the hike. I might have to get on the bandwagon and try to catch some fall colors on the North trail.

_____________________

Jul 22 2023

BiFrost

Guides 4
Routes 491
Photos 10,890
Triplogs 1,257

55 male

Joined Nov 20 2012
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2023
		BiFrost • Triplogs 1,257

Hiking	10.09 Miles	1,975 AEG

Hiking	10.09 Miles	4 Hrs 45 Mns	2.47 mph
	1,975 ft AEG	40 Mns Break

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FOTG

John9L

Met up with 9L and Lee for this hike on Mingus Mountain. Starting from the picnic area off 89A on the Upper Mescal Trail we traversed the northside of Mingus. The climb out on Bug Hollow Trail was a bit hot but the trail is in really good shape. Some really nice switchbacks towards the top.

Once on top we took a nice long break and enjoyed the views. After the break we continued on the Rim trail passed the hang glider launch site. 9L then took us on some moderate off trail back to the road that we hiked the last 3/4 mile to the picnic area where we started. Fun day and a quick 10 miles!

_____________________

Oct 07 2022

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 07 2022
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	10.30 Miles	2,335 AEG

Hiking	10.30 Miles
	2,335 ft AEG

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ryan321

Prescott trip with Ryan, day 1:
Mingus looked comparatively storm free, so I stitched together a route on the drive up. We parked at the 89A highway summit and walked the Mingus road to Butterfly Trail. We followed Butterfly’s spaghetti-bowl route through stands of recently thinned ponderosa and muddy logging debris to the northern tip of Mingus Mountain, where we could see towering thunderstorms approaching quickly from the east. We made a quick descent on North Mingus’ upper ridge to get to lower ground, enjoying the rugged, forested slopes immensely. The storms faded before they hit us, thankfully. Saw just a hint of maples starting to change. We followed North Mingus Trail west to the unmarked connector trail that took us to Bug Hollow Trail, and then went off trail for a bit as I wanted to check out the mystery pit I had seen from afar on a brushy slope. Would it be a mine, or a cave? Neither. It was a large trench dug into limestone bedrock for some unknown reason. And there were two of them. Ryan and I dropped down through the thick brush to Mescal Trail and followed it up canyon to Upper Mescal Trail. At precisely 5:30 we turned onto trail 530 (Old Dump Trail according to Prescott NF’s website…great name), and made the short trek back to our trailhead. Headed into Prescott for the night afterward for Mexican food. Great hike, lots of variety, and Ryan’s first in-depth Black Hills/Mingus hike.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

Butterfly Tank

76-100% full

_____________________

"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Apr 30 2022

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ

Hiking		Apr 30 2022
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	17.44 Miles	3,216 AEG

Hiking	17.44 Miles	8 Hrs 14 Mns		2.40 mph
	3,216 ft AEG	58 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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[ checklist ] Cliff Fendlerbush Cliff-Rose Horehound Spreading Phlox Stansbury cliffrose

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We've done multiple Mingus combinations/configurations throughout the years. It's an easy drive to get to and offers various elevations to take advantage of the seasonal temps. In the fall you can try to time the colors with the oaks and Maples.

We started in a small parking area directly across from where we'd finish on the J-P Wagon Road 503A at a refreshing 51 degrees. We dropped down to the Mescal Trail #547 and immediately lost another 10 degrees. Enjoying the tall pines it gently climbs until we met the Bug Hollow Trail #548. With a bit of off trail we looped in the Upper Mescal Trail #550 taking this back to Bug Hollow.

My favorite trail on the loop is always the Powerline Trail #549. You gain about 400 feet on this trail taking in vast views to the north, from Bill Williams to the west, to the peaks in Flagstaff. As @PrestonSands talked about in his 2012 triplog, we noted fresh bear activity along the majority of this track. Every time we come across "The Well" pipe [ photo ] as Joe calls is, we are always curious as to how deep it really is. This time we unscientifically timed a dropped rock until it his water at the bottom at 2.64 seconds. It's close to the 3 seconds in this mathematical explanation Professor Joe Bartels put together for us. [ youtube video ] . So we no longer have to guess. The old road turns into a single track before it finally disappears. As long as you stay to the east side of the drainage here, you will shortly run into a very nice use trail, quickly taking you down to the North Mingus #105.

The 105 takes you down to the Mescal Gulch area. This starts an off trail climb to meet up with a well used MTB trail used by evidently crazed MTB'ers. This is without a doubt the steepest, loosest portion of our loop. We have trouble staying upright hiking. Not a clue how the MTB'ers don't seriously hurt themselves.

We had lunch and lunched at Walnut Springs before finishing off the last six miles of the hike on the Jerome-Prescott Wagon Road 503A
We only saw 2 people and their dog all day long and that was in the last 100 yards of the hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

	Mescal Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	The ground was damp in the area

Walnut Springs

Quart per minute

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Apr 30 2022

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ

Hiking		Apr 30 2022
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	16.74 Miles	2,907 AEG

Hiking	16.74 Miles	8 Hrs 15 Mns	2.30 mph
	2,907 ft AEG	58 Mns Break

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Mescal Gulch - Hull Canyon Connector

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The_Eagle

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Bruce opted for the fourth running of the North Mingus circuit loop I created in 2012. Which he fine-tuned many moons ago through a hollow with towering pines over an understory of oak bliss.

The solo choir of a spotted towhee was loud in the cool morning mountain air. The road walk portions through the pines were filled with dandelions and evidence of thrifty bears.

The hint of use-trail we bridge #549-to-#105 has a slight autumn crunch covered in pine needles sprinkled with sap.

Encountered a cordial couple walking their poodle in the final half-furlong. Rare for us not to offend someone along the hike by swearing like gangsters but these trails rate low in trendsetting circles.

Synopsis
Another solid day hike from chilly to borderline whining temps. Originally hiked from the bottom clockwise, we wised up to CCW but started higher. CCW from the bottom might be a better use of natural shade and energy. Retiring my "Salmon Speed Cross 5 2021 - Pair 2" after a lousy 400 miles tracked. Tread is gone. Snug slippers now... lol

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Apple Cliff Fendlerbush Spreading Phlox

Wildflowers Observation Light
Cliff Fendlerbush was most prominent but purists deduct brownie points for shrubs, occasional good swaths of verbena on the north half, hints of Indian paintbrush, isolated Spreading Phlox, perhaps Packera quercetorum too

_____________________

- joe

Oct 02 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 02 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	19.00 Miles	3,500 AEG

Hiking	19.00 Miles	8 Hrs	2.38 mph
	3,500 ft AEG

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Did the excellent 10/17/20 @The_Eagle and @joebartels double-looper, starting at the summit picnic area just off 89A. Went clockwise on both loops. Lots of green, happy forest after the good monsoon. Several sections of road walking required, but worth it to link multiple fine but isolated trails.

_____________________

Oct 17 2020

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

North Mingus Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 17 2020
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	12.21 Miles	2,550 AEG

Hiking	12.21 Miles	5 Hrs 15 Mns	2.47 mph
	2,550 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

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John9L

I wasn't up for a full figure 8 and 9L had done the south loop before, so I opted for the north side. We parked at the pass and started on Upper Mescal before heading downhill through the oaks on Bug Hollow. North Mingus took us through a couple of patches of autumn glory before we opted to climb up the ridge in the shade rather than ascending on the exposed view point trail.

Nobody flying today, but I found an old singletrack that heads from the parking area toward the campground. It's a nice alternative to the road. Heading west across a meadow, I encountered another well-manicured trail that hooked up with Gaddes and that took me up to the lookout tower, where we had a nice break. Heading down from the tower, there are quality use trails that lead to the lake and after crossing the road we opted to do a quick cross country jaunt to find the dead end of the Middle Trail before descending on Butterfly. We encountered several old trails with different colored tree markings in the middle earth section of the mountain. It seems like there could be much better maps of all the routes up here.

Besides at the parking spots and lake, only saw two older folks out on the trails. Since it wasn't a super aggressive plan for the day, we got a little later start, and still got home before I-17 got shut down. #winning

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Memorial

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mingus Lake

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

1 archive

Oct 17 2020

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mingus Oaks and Butterfly with Gaddes, AZ

Hiking		Oct 17 2020
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.41 Miles	3,514 AEG

Hiking	18.41 Miles	8 Hrs 29 Mns	2.47 mph
	3,514 ft AEG	1 Hour 2 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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I took my own advice from last year to utilize an established trail in this mini figure-eight loop. Then I gambled on switching the direction of travel. It's a rare treat going against the grain with such success. The light followed us nearly throughout the day. The foliage symphony crested on one of my favorite trails.

North Mingus Trail #105
We descended since Denny snubbed us. Two short maple pockets with fair color.

Bug Hollow Trail #548 & Upper Mescal Trail #550
Oaks were turning, but I enjoy these anytime. Horseshoe Bend hikers(cough) would call these yawners.

Middle Trail #537
We adjusted the planned route to include the half we never previously hiked. It's an old road in a forest of dense slender pines. Most of which appear to be tagged for thinning. I appreciate dominant pine stretches more in the summer but liked the change of scenery today.

Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
I'm a huge fan of oaks and this trail. After years of dreaming about Gaddes' prime foliage potential, it was incredible. Probably as good as I'll ever experience.

Coleman Trail #108
We usually descend this to get it over with, with less effort. Rocky up top and blazing sun exposure on the slope are the gripes. Even ascending, this was more enjoyable than usual. Time to let go of the old grudge when the slope was a brushy nuisance.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Walnut Gambel Oak

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Extreme oaks in areas if instamaple opioids haven't hazed your perception of Autumn.

_____________________

- joe

Oct 17 2020

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mingus Oaks and Butterfly with Gaddes, AZ

Hiking		Oct 17 2020
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	19.03 Miles	3,592 AEG

Hiking	19.03 Miles	8 Hrs 31 Mns		2.50 mph
	3,592 ft AEG	55 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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Out to Mingus for cooler temps and searching for color. The dusty dirt road leading to the top of Mingus is all packed down with fresh aggregate and staked. We find out later from some passing strange-r, that paving will start this week.

We made the obligatory stop at the hang glider spot for the views. The Horse Fire smoke was evident from here. In all my trips to Mingus, I still have yet to see any hang gliders.

Popping down from the top from Mingus on the 105 trail, we got to see some pockets of red maples. Not rim worthy, but very nice nonetheless. On the 2 track portion of the 105, we ran into Curly and Moe (aka @chumley and @John9l). After a short catch up, we continued on our merry way. We passed one of Curly's dirt cairns, shortly thereafter, pointing the way.

We started getting into more Oaks on the 548 and 550 trails, which are Joe's Fav.

After an .8 mile road walk, we were happy to be on the Butterfly Trail (No butterflies were harmed during this portion of the hike, or even seen). We hit the Middle trail I believe for the first time. This will be in future rotations.

After some lunch, we moved on to the southern portion of our figure eight. Gaddes #110 and especially Gaddes Two #9307 have been a favorite of ours for years. We are usually heading steeply up on these. For a change of pace, we headed down and hit the light pretty good on the oaks. Joe went all @Tibber on me taking more than 3 zillion photos of the oaks and walnut trees.

I was not looking forward to the climb up Colman towards the end of an 18+ mile hike, but with a few stops to get my HR down, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

One of the most memorable loops up on Mingus.

After delays because of accidents on 69 in front of Lucky's and then believe it or not, a 15 mile backup on I-17 from an accident somewhere around exit 242, I made it home dirty, tired and hungry and thirsty.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

2 archives

Jun 14 2020

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 14 2020
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	10.75 Miles	1,892 AEG

Hiking	10.75 Miles	5 Hrs	2.53 mph
	1,892 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

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Following a night of camping at upper Little Yaeger trailhead, I started hiking from the upper North Mingus trailhead late morning. My first time on this trail in a few years, and everything was looking lush and green. A few new aspens were poking up from the old, dead aspen grove.

The temperature had risen considerably below the Viewpoint junction, where a couple of unseen hikers hooted loudly from the slopes above.

Leaving the shady comfort of the pines, I made a short side trip down to the old Pittsburgh-Jerome Mine, where some remediation work had turned the old mine shaft into a bottomless ventilation/bat portal tube. A rock dropped took 5-6 seconds to hit bottom.

I recalled hiking the unmarked side road on the southeast side of hill 6772 years ago, and thought it might connect with the Bug Hollow Trail. The road didn’t seem to be going the right direction, so I made a moderately bloody bushwhack up the south side of 6772 to access Bug Hollow. Moments later I passed a cairned route heading toward the side road I had been on. Will have to remember that route next time. (Joe, Bruce, is that cairned route the route that you took?)

Bug Hollow and Upper Mescal trails were smooth sailing and a welcome return of pines and shade. I was surprised to see the new 530 Trail, where I stopped for a short lunch break before following it to the highway summit parking area.

Next up was a mile of dust and passing cars while hiking Forest Road 104, and then a return to solitude at Butterfly Spring, where I started east along the ButterflyTrail and Mingus Inner Maze, with their confusing network of mountain-top trails to who-knows-where. A wrong turn here, and some off-trail there dumped me off onto the connector route I remembered, which I followed to the north edge of Mingus Mountain and the North Mingus Trail. A short walk south brought me back to the trailhead and some much anticipated cold water in the ice chest. A bit warm and with less water reserves than I prefer, but all in all a great loop hike. Next stop: Oak Creek.

Water report: Butterfly Spring had about a quart per minute of slimy water flowing. Butterfly tank above had a big pool of stagnant but not too-nasty water.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Apache Plume Beehive Cactus

_____________________

"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

2 archives

Apr 26 2020

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Mingus Mountain Figure 8, AZ

Hiking		Apr 26 2020
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	21.07 Miles	3,800 AEG

Hiking	21.07 Miles	6 Hrs 50 Mns	3.33 mph
	3,800 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Mingus Mountain Campground

View Point Trail #106

Mingus Trail #105A

Old Dump Trail #530

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Trying to find nice mountains for the summer that aren't too far from Phoenix. I'd heard of Mingus before, but not in reference to its hiking trails. Was curious to see what it was all about. I borrowed a figure 8 route a few people have uploaded to this website that seemed to hit just about every trail. What better way to get acquainted with a mountain? I added the highpoint LO and Mingus Lake to sweeten the deal. Parked at the Butterfly trailhead a little before 6am and headed up.

Started on Butterfly and by the time I was at the Middle Trail jct, I realized I had missed the turn north/West Rim. Decided to continue on Middle Trail since it heads more or less the same way. First stop was the hang gliding pad. Took a short break before I had even done any work.

Roadwalk down to Coleman. Wanted to get Coleman/Gaddes done early in the day before it got warm. Coleman was mostly shady and it goes down pretty quick. Another road over to Gaddes2. Shady and cool on the biggest ascent of the day, and water was flowing about half way up. Gaddes reminded me a little of some of the Rim canyons around Payson.

Took the road to the summit/lookout and skipped past it and down the other side through the forest to the lake. Took my only real break of the day. Had the lake to myself. I tried to focus on how nice the bottom half of the 8 was because I had a feeling that descending onto the east side and starting the upper half would be warm and generally not as good as walking through Mingus' crown of pines.

It was warmer, but there were nice views toward Secret Mountain and Humphrey's, and it was a lot clearer than the morning. It was also shadier than expected, and I don't think it was ever above low 80s. Passed one group of hikers all day with 2 miles left, but I lost count of the cars going up and down 104. All the trails were in great shape. Ended up sold on Mingus and with a dozen trails in my back pocket for the future.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Very isolated, lower elevations, a handful on Bug Hollow and Mescal

Quart per minute

76-100% full

76-100% full

Dry

	Mescal Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Pretty much dry

Mingus Lake

76-100% full

3 archives

Nov 09 2019

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mingus - Clipped Butterfly Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 09 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	19.34 Miles	3,603 AEG

Hiking	19.34 Miles	9 Hrs 37 Mns		2.27 mph
	3,603 ft AEG	1 Hour 6 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We started at the Potato Patch Parking lot off 89a on a new Trail, #530. This trail does not seem to be named yet.
It's actually a nice connector that gets you over to the Upper Mescal #550.

I had 3 goals on this hike.

First, find a route down from the Bug Hollow Trail #548, to an old FR connecting to the North Mingus #105 Trail. Success, there was actually a great use trail all the way. This route will be added to the rotation.

Second, find a route up to the rim using an old undocumented trail we'd found the last time up in the area. This is a well defined trail, up to to about the spot we we stumbled upon last time. We lost the trail and just decided to scramble to the top. It took some time and blood, but we made it to some great views.

[ youtube video ]

Third, we'd held out hope that we'd find the tail end of some color. We've historically had a tough time hit the color on the correct week. No real color to be had again.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Nov 09 2019

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mingus - Clipped Butterfly Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 09 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.76 Miles	3,645 AEG

Hiking	18.76 Miles	9 Hrs 37 Mns		2.27 mph
	3,645 ft AEG	1 Hour 22 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Twist on a great figure eight loop. We navigated shrub and game trails looking for a route to open the door to new looping opportunities. Brute force bridged the mythical puzzle. Minor ego/blood loss. Worthy adventure to curb curiosity. Discovered a couple unknown-old or new trails in the works.

Perfect weather with nice stretches of crunchy oak leaves. Energy dragged on flats and eased descents. Gaddes and Butterfly turned that frown upside down. Ended on a smile.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Yarrow Wood's Rose

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
8.4 days past prime

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
a few isolated specimens

	Butterfly Spring	Dry	Dry
	no butter, no fly, no water

	Haywood Spring	Dry	Dry
	Creek looked dry from a hundred feet above

_____________________

- joe

Sep 14 2019

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop III, AZ

Hiking		Sep 14 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	17.70 Miles	3,283 AEG

Hiking	17.70 Miles	8 Hrs 13 Mns		2.31 mph
	3,283 ft AEG	33 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

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7 linked trail guides

Mescal Gulch - Hull Canyon Connector

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The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

A good loop that few will try. Other Mingus loops rank higher. This one has plenty of character. I'd guess 40% or more is along or under tree cover. Most will leave with memories of pines. Gamble Oak has a solid presence for autumn foliage opportunity.

1 hour in we passed a rafter of turkey hens. Neither of us captured one for the annual 4-H county fair exhibit.

#550, #549 and west #503A offer pleasant hiking. Best-of destination slayers might ponder if options run low.

In addition to countless redos we have a reason to try and loop up Mingus. However, no trace on satellite. FR500E needs to be utilized in a Woodchute Loop too.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Deers Ears

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Javelina Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly

_____________________

- joe

Sep 14 2019

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mingus Inner Basin, AZ

Hiking		Sep 14 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.10 Miles	3,722 AEG

Hiking	18.10 Miles	8 Hrs 13 Mns		2.37 mph
	3,722 ft AEG	35 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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7 linked trail guides

Mescal Gulch - Hull Canyon Connector

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

A return to the Mingus area for cooler temps.
This hike features tall pines, decent trail and some off trail. A start in the 60's was perfect.

There was some smoke in the area in the AM, that dissipated in the afternoon.

Goal on this loop, was to try and find a way down from the dead end of the Powerline Trail. I'd seen on satellite, what appeared to be undocumented sections of a trail. Bingo, we found it and it was a much easier way down than the Ravine. Next time, I need to find where this goes up to? This is an old trail with great tread. I'd love to know the history of this one.

Now on the Mescal Gulch-Hull Canyon Trail, this one is fading away on the south side of the ridge. The steep north side of the ridge, has seen some recent and welcome love, all the way to Walnut Spring.

Out of the tree cover for the most part, we followed the old Jerome-Prescott Wagon Road, back to the TH.

A couple miles from the finish, some poor sole had lost a tire (not wheel) on his Silverado, and wound up 10' down/off the trail.

A good day for wildlife. 2 miles in, 3 deer with the buck still in velvet. 3 miles in, a dozen turkey lazily sauntered away from us. 12 miles in by Walnut Spring, a couple of Javelina.

The rain held off until the drive home.

Wildflowers Observation Light

Mescal Spring

Dry

	Walnut Springs	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	This is a city water source, but there are filterable pools in the area

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Apr 13 2017

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Mingus the Butterfly & I, AZ

Hiking		Apr 13 2017
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Hiking	19.46 Miles	4,000 AEG

Hiking	19.46 Miles	6 Hrs 49 Mns		2.88 mph
	4,000 ft AEG	4 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

no routes

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12 linked trail guides

Mingus Trail #105A

View Point Trail #106

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joebartels

JuanJaimeiii

what do you do when life offers you robin eggs? hold your hand out...duh

i unexpectedly got thursday off so i checked the list of hikes i wanted to do and texted Count Tacula, consulted Gumdrop and next thing you know, we had a plan!

great hike in a totally new area to me. i'm sure this hike is awesome in summer and fall and hopefully i will see it during those times too, but i always enjoy spring in the mountains. everything is waking from it's winter slumber and there is such a different feel to it. the early views towards Sedona were cool and the Peaks with snow topping was an awesome sight as well

i enjoyed all the trails, though the final big climb up the Gaddes trails was probably my favorite. great weather and nice to hike with the boys again.

_____________________

hi

Apr 13 2017

JuanJaimeiii

Routes 596
Photos 9,604
Triplogs 2,400

58 male

Joined Jan 30 2011
Chandler, AZ

Mingus the Butterfly & I, AZ

Hiking		Apr 13 2017
		JuanJaimeiii • Triplogs 2,400

Hiking	19.46 Miles	4,000 AEG

Hiking	19.46 Miles	6 Hrs 49 Mns	2.88 mph
	4,000 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

Linked

12 linked trail guides

Mingus Trail #105A

View Point Trail #106