Blowout Butte #556

Description: Blowout Butte is a moderately challenging 0.55-mile trail that begins off Campus #559 and ends at the top of the butte! This fun trail contours around Blowout Butte where trail users can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views.

General description of area trails: The Blowout Wash Trail System introduces the user to a high desert hiking experience in the foothills east of Mingus Mountain. Low lying vegetation throughout the trail ensures excellent views of Mingus and the surrounding Verde Valley.

The Blowout Wash Trail System was first conceptualized in 2008 to provide more recreation opportunities to the communities of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome, AZ. The Verde Trails & Access Plan (VTAP) was approved in September 2018, and construction of the new non-motorized trail system began in the spring of 2019.

With efforts from the Forest Service, volunteers and community partners, the system has grown to over 15+ miles with new trails planned or currently in progress. Accessed from Blowout Wash Trailhead near Cottonwood, this system is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The system can alternately be accessed by hikers and mountain bikers from the Yavapai College-Verde Valley Campus.

Please be considerate of other users; slow down and know when to yield the trail. Refrain from using horses and bikes when trails are wet.

Camping – See various state and private entities for camping/lodging opportunities near the Blowout Wash Trail System

General Information

No fee

Getting There

Directions

To Blowout Wash Trailhead: From downtown Cottonwood, head north on Main St and turn left on E Mingus Ave. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto W Mingus Ave. Continue onto W Mingus Ave for 2.4 miles. At the cattle guard, W Mingus Ave turns into Forest Road 493. The trailhead is a wide spot in the road and offers parking for 30-40 vehicles. The route to the trailhead is paved, though the last mile is on a graded dirt road. The road is suitable for 2wd vehicles.

Yavapai College Verde Campus Trailhead (hiker and mountain biker access only, no equestrians): From downtown Cottonwood, head north on Main St and turn left on E Mingus Ave. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto W Mingus Ave. 0.5 mile later, turn right onto AZ-89A S, then at the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto W Black Hills Dr. Stay on Black Hills Dr. for about 1 mile, then turn left into the campus parking lot across from Gerrysue Dr. There will be a ramada and pit toilet on your right where the trailhead parking is.