Mingus Mountain to Cherry Trail

Mingus Mountain To Cherry OHV Trail

4/5-Hour Route

Mingus Mountain to Cherry Trail Overview

Prescott National Forest has a spectacular 4×4 route that few know about on Mingus Mountain to Cherry Trail (FR-413, FR-493, FR-132, FR-372, and FR-361). 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 and Prescott Valley in the distance. Known to be a 5-hour route, this 4×4 trail has all types of off-roading to offer from smooth and windy dirt roads, to rougher and rocky sections through pine trees. Once you’re on FR-132 heading towards Cherry, you travel 17 miles with endless views of Prescott Valley and the Verde Valley. Once on Blue Monster Trail (FR-361) you can expect a rougher, true ATV Trail transitioning back towards Cottonwood, Arizona.

This off-road trail offers a unique OHV experience climbing nearly 4,400 feet to the top of Mingus Mountain and toward Cherry. 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 to Cherry Trail (FR-413, FR-493, FR-132, FR-372, and FR-361) is considered an intermediate off-road route that offers a vast variety of terrain for a 5-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 of FR-413 there’s a very rough and technical section, having to maneuver boulders where high clearance 4×4 vehicles and low-gear is advised. Furthermore, Blue Monster (FR-361) is considered an aggressive section requiring the same maneuvering as recommended on FR-413. 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.

View of 4-seater atv rental on the OHV trail heading up Mingus Mountain from Cottonwood, Arizona

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, washouts, and rocky sections. Rent an off road vehicle with Vortex ATV Rental to make the most of this adventurous ATV trail

Getting to Mingus Mountain Trail

Mingus Mountain to Cherry Trail (FR-413, FR-493, FR-132, FR-372, and FR-361) can be accessed two main ways. The first is from Cottonwood, and the other from Cherry Creek Road (FR-372) and the town of Cherry. 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 off Highway 260 from the Verde Valley or Highway 169 from Prescott. Turn onto FR-132, which gives you access eventually to the remainder of Mingus Mountain trail options.