Mingus Mountain – Butterfly Spring
The best trail on the Mingus. Fairly short as one hits the pond in 1/4 mile and gets to higher habitat in another 1/4 mile. The trail begins at a check dam, which creates a small pond from the water that trickles out of Butterfly Spring. That spring creates a tiny, perennial stream that supports all manner of wildflowers and bushes. The greenery attracted large numbers of songbirds.
In migration it is possible to see 10 warbler species and other high elevation specialties. It is a great site for Acorn Woodpeckers and Painted Redstarts.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: From Sedona/Cottonwood take 89a through Jerome to the Mingus Mtn. crest of 89a at 7000 ft. Turn left and go about a mile on a rough dirt road to where the road makes a very sharp right turn and there is a dam up the hill on the left. Park there and walk to the right of the dam where the trail becomes obvious.
Latitude: 34.706092
Longitude: -112.139678
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: Free
Best time to visit: May is best, August-September also very good migration.
Habitats: Pine-oak Forest, Pine forest
Know Before You Go
This is about 7500 ft. elevation. It can be much colder than the Verde valley. Dress warm. The trail is steep and rocky.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Grace’s Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, Olive Warbler, Painted Redstart, Red-faced Warbler
Contact Information
Toll Willard, District Ranger
Prescott National Forest
300 East Highway 260
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Phone: (928) 567-4121
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4530030
Additional Resources:
Hermit & Townsend's Warblers possible in migration. Cordilleran Flycatchers & House Wrens should be easy. Steller's Jays & Band-tailed Pigeons possible. Mountain Chickadees & Pygmy & White-breasted Nuthatches possible. As you go higher Red-breasted Nuthatches & Hermit Thrushes occur.
