After passing through unimpressive lowlands, the road climbs quickly up the side of Mingus Mountain into the forest, where you find good dispersed camping. The trip offers views of Verde Valley and Cottonwood as you climb. You’ll pass the large Copper Chief Mine, which is closed to the public. Please obey all signs and warnings. F.S. 104 is restricted to street-legal vehicles. Fall color peaks in early November. Not recommended in winter.
(928) 567-4121Prescott N.F., Verde R.D.
Check the Weather5/14/2023
Submitted by NewZona Rides
There is a section that is for sure upper-end Moderate. Close to difficult if you are going up. Slightly less difficult going down I would say. The trail is barely wide enough for a Jeep Wrangler or Midsize Truck. You will likely get some AZ pinstripes. Most stock 4X4s can make it with careful tire placement. This trail was a lot of fun and I would do it again for sure.
8/27/2019
Submitted by FunTreks
The trail is open all the way. It is still rocky and narrow shelf road. We are continuing to call it Moderate, but one of the more challenging Moderates.
7/20/2019
Submitted by FunTreks
A temporary closure is in effect until July 30, 2019. See link for map and Forest Order.
Forest Order and Map.
5/21/2019
Submitted by Patrick Davis
I took this trail from Mingus Mountain heading over to Cottonwood mid-May 2019. Before reaching the Cooper Chief Mine at the split of 413 & 493 about 10-11 miles into the 19. Road Closed. Shown as 6.4 miles (2.) in AZ Backroads book that takes you the opposite direction I was traveling. After researching the area appears closed till January 2020. You would be turned back from Cottonwood rather quickly but If you go the direction I was traveling (potato patch start) there are no signs saying that the road closes in 10 miles. Bulldozer in the road following closed signs. The closure is a result of over shooting in certain areas and environmental impact from camping. Area closed to the public is being restored I guess.
