Mingus Mountainwildflowers
Wildflower viewing is usually best in July and August, after the summer rains, per the Forest Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Mingus Mountain
Right now in Mingus Mountain · September
- The mountain's plants (cacti, yuccas and agaves among ponderosa pines) are worth seeing any time from May through October · May–Oct
- Mingus Mountain Campground open, May 1 to October 31 · May–Oct
Your guide to the area
Best spots around Mingus Mountain, Prescott National Forest
- Mingus Mountain CampgroundIn the cool pines on top of Mingus Mountain, with views over the Verde Valley to Sedona's red rocks, the San Francisco Peaks and the Mogollon Rim. Open May 1 to October 31. From Highway 89A, turn onto Forest Road 104 at the Summit Picnic Site: about two miles paved, then half a mile of gravel to a 4-way stop, and right into the campground.
- Gaddes Canyon Trail (#110)An easy day hike from the campground to points overlooking Gaddes Canyon; 2.63 miles, rated moderate. The trailhead is on the left, 0.1 mile below the lookout on Forest Road 104B (the lookout road).
Nearby
- Tonto93 mi2 separate phases, from March and April
- Grand Canyon South Rim94 miFlowers from May through September
- Saguaro177 mioften best mid-late MarchSatSunny
- Escudilla Mountain178 miUsually July and AugustSatSunny
- Organ Pipe Cactus193 mibetween February and AprilSatSunny
- Ash Meadows Refuge265 mifrom late MarchSatSunny
The year at Mingus Mountain
- The mountain's plants (cacti, yuccas and agaves among ponderosa pines) are worth seeing any time from May through OctoberNowMay–Oct
- Mingus Mountain Campground open, May 1 to October 31NowMay–Oct
- Wildflower viewing usually best in July and August, after the summer rainsJul–Aug
- Rainy season with afternoon lightning storms, July and AugustJul–Aug
Mingus Mountain in pictures
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Mingus Mountain, Prescott National Forest in 2027?
Wildflower viewing is usually best in July and August, after the summer rains, per the Forest Service: July and August, after the summer rains. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Mingus Mountain, Prescott National Forest right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: July and August, after the summer rains, local timing.
Is lightning a risk in summer?
Yes. During the July and August rainy season, lightning storms usually build in the early afternoon. Explore in the morning, and stay off high ridges and peaks if storms are coming.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Mingus Mountain ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee?
Day-use sites charge a daily fee, paid by cash or check at the information board; one payment covers every day-use site on the Prescott National Forest that day. Wednesdays are always fee-free, and America the Beautiful and Prescott National Forest passes are valid.Source: US Forest Service, Mingus Mountain Recreation Area brochure (October 2023) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Do I need a campground reservation?
As of September 2026, the campground (open May 1 to October 31) takes reservations through recreation.gov, and the Forest Service warns that first-come, first-served sites are limited.Source: US Forest Service, Mingus Mountain Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there electricity at the campground?
As of September 2026, no: the Forest Service says the campground has no electricity because of lightning damage, with no date set for repairs.Source: US Forest Service, Mingus Mountain Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet.Source: US Forest Service, Mingus Mountain Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mingus Mountain, Prescott National Forest?
Mingus Mountain Campground: in the cool pines on top of Mingus Mountain, with views over the Verde Valley to Sedona's red rocks, the San Francisco Peaks and the Mogollon Rim. Open May 1 to October 31. From Highway 89A, turn onto Forest Road 104 at the Summit Picnic Site: about two miles paved, then half a mile of gravel to a 4-way stop, and right into the campground.; Gaddes Canyon Trail (#110): an easy day hike from the campground to points overlooking Gaddes Canyon; 2.63 miles, rated moderate. The trailhead is on the left, 0.1 mile below the lookout on Forest Road 104B (the lookout road)..
What is Mingus Mountain, Prescott National Forest like through the year?
Wildflower viewing usually best in July and August, after the summer rains (Jul–Aug), The mountain's plants (cacti, yuccas and agaves among ponderosa pines) are worth seeing any time from May through October (May–Oct), Mingus Mountain Campground open, May 1 to October 31 (May–Oct) and Rainy season with afternoon lightning storms, July and August (Jul–Aug).