Bug Hollow Trail #548
Bug Hollow Trail #548 follows an old road across the forested terrain of Mingus Mountain. Evidence of the area’s rich mining history, as well as spectacular views of Woodchute Wilderness and the surrounding mountains inspire curiosity and awe. Compared to much of the adjacent country, this area is lush. Well established hillsides of ponderosa pine and Gamble’s oak create deep pockets of shade and provide habitat for a diversity of birds, deer, elk, and bear. The spring months are a time of dazzling color, when wildflowers growing up from dark volcanic soil bloom in countless shades of purple, pink, yellow, and red. The trail junctions with Mescal Trail #547 and Upper Mescal Trail #550 1.2 miles from the trailhead in a rocky drainage where large walnut trees join the predominate vegetation. From here the trail continues another 0.7 miles, just past the junction with Powerline Trail #549, to an open meadow where an impressive solitary juniper provides an attractive spot to rest.
The lower section of the Bug Hollow Trail #548 has grown over, and as of June 2010 the trail ends just past its junction with Trail #549. There are plans to restore the original trail so that it once again joins FR 338 sometime in the future.
Mingus Mountain Brochure (1.86 MB)
Printable Trail Description and Map (652 KB PDF; 8.5” X 11”)
At a Glance
Fees: | No |
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Open Season: | Spring - Fall |
Usage: | Medium |
Closest Towns: | Approximately 1 hour from I-17; 30 minutes from Chino Valley, AZ |
Water: | Not available. Surface water should be treated. |
General Information
Directions:From its intersection with Interstate 17, travel 12.2 miles on Hwy 260 to the junction with Hwy 89A. Turn left and go 15.9 miles, through Jerome, to the trailhead on the left. If you reach the Mingus Summit, you have gone 0.9 miles too far. Parking is good.
From the junction of Hwy 89/89A in Chino Valley, travel 18.3 miles on Hwy 89A to the Mingus Summit. Continue on Hwy 89A for another 0.9 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Road conditions are paved.
General Notes:
- Connecting trails: Mescal Trail #547, Powerline Trail #549, Upper Mescal Trail #550
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Maps:
- USGS Map: 7.5’ quad for Hickey Mountain
- Prescott National Forest Map, east half
- Average hiking time: 1 hour, one way
Activities
Mountain Biking
- This trail provides a pleasant ride through beautiful scenery and connects to several other trails.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Day Hiking
- This trail passes through thick pine and oak forest. Hikers looking for a longer route can connect with several other trails.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Horse Riding
- This trail, which connects with several others, offers riders a pleasant trip through the Mingus Mountain area.
Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Alerts & Warnings
- STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT; RESTRICCIONES DE FUEGOS ETAPA 2 EN EFECTO
- Fossil Creek & Forest Road 708 Closed until 12/31/22 for public health and saf
- Target Type restrictions implemented across the Prescott NF
- Temporary Camping Restrictions along Highway 260 and Salt Mine Road Corridor
- Drones Use on Forest Service Lands