A Hike Around Mingus Lake

What did you think of my aging tips? I have to live them out every day as I approach 15 years old. I had a really rough couple of days and nights last week, but Mom and Dad made me feel much better by taking me up north.

When we had our camper trailer, one of our favorite places to camp was Mingus Mountain. We decided to head there for the day to cool off. This summer has been brutal! I don’t like this heat, not one bit! Oh rain, where art thou?

Anyway, we got on I-17 North toward Prescott, and we immediate slowed down due to an accident. We are always grateful we aren’t part of the accident and say a prayer for those involved. We continued on to take Exit 262 for Cordes Lakes and merged onto AZ 69 North. You’ll stay on this for a while and eventually turn right onto Fain Road. This will take you up, up, and way! This used to be a dirt road, but they paved it. Makes it easy, peasy now to get to the tippy top of Mingus Mountain. From North Phoenix, allow about two hours.

On your right just before the camp ground, you will see a sign for Mingus Lake. Usually this is a mud puddle not worthy of a stop, but all the winter and spring rain filled it up. We pulled over to take a look.

Parking is free, and it has a human restroom. We noticed everything is green in Prescott, so they must be getting the rain. Please share it with us! A dirt path goes around Mingus Lake, and we got on it.

The temperature was in the 70s, making me one happy dog! I bounded and ran ahead, and that makes Mom smile. She hates to see me struggle. The trail is flat and goes less than a mile, but it is sure pretty.

The grasses are tall, and wild flowers were blooming. I took a couple of dips into the lake and realized I wasn’t alone. Tons of catfish were tooling around. Swimming cats? Very strange indeed! They left me alone, and I didn’t bother them. I would have to tell Mowgli about them, though.

We were the only ones at the lake. We were surprised no one was fishing on such a lovely day. Although a covered picnic table sits right at the lake, we opted to head up to “our” spot.

You see, even when we camped, we would drive over to the edge and enjoy views of Jerome and Sedona. If you pass the campground, it is off the forest road on your left…right before the cattle guard.

By the way, Mingus Mountain campground is awesome! Every spot is excellent. It is always clean and quiet. It is first come, first serve, so you want to arrive early to claim your spot. Looked like it was completely full this weekend. All the spots are RV friendly, but some do not have electricity. Check their website for costs.

Since we were hanging out in the forest, we didn’t have to pay anything. Free is good! Dad put our big, blue matt down, and he set up the shade tent. He tethered me to a tree so I could roam. I just love sniffing everything.

Mom got our picnic out, and we enjoyed some yummy food. Since I got us up early, we were all ready for a nap. I think I was excited to go on an adventure. Woof! Mom and Dad lounged in their chairs, and I laid down. The peaceful sounds of nature were soothing.

By now, the temperatures dropped to 62—40 degrees cooler than at home! Sweeeeet. Mom got chilly and buddled up. Ha! Silly humans. I soaked it all up! Thunder booms woke up Mom and Dad. I don’t hear much anymore, but I could smell the rain in the distance.

We watched the dark clouds move into Jerome and dump rain, and then the system headed over toward Sedona. We no longer could see the red rocks…just black, rain clouds. Mom checked her weather app, and it said Mingus Mountain would get rain at 2:30 pm.

At 2:20 pm, we began packing it up. The winds were kicking up a bit, and the storm was coming for us. Dad was putting the last item in the truck when the heavens opened, and at 2:29 pm, the rain came down. Guess they were right!

We drove in the rain as we went down the mountain. By then, Prescott was getting it. All good! We hope it put out the fire in the area. Once we were back to I-17 south, the rain stopped, and the temperature rose.

We got home without any hiccups…back to the heat. Ugh. I was well rested and eager to share my adventure with my brother. I was a bit hyper and lost my balance, falling right on him. He lay there, splat! LOL He’s such a trooper. He just waited for me to get up, and then he attacked my ankles. The chase was on! He’s great fun, and I’m glad he is part of our family. I’m grateful I have such loving parents who give me all sorts of adventures. Today was a wonderful day.

If you are looking for an easy hike and cool place for a picnic, give Mingus Lake/Mountain a try. You can’t beat the views! Until then, I’ll be doing my rain dance. The poor desert is extremely dry. I feel bad for the birds, bunnies, and road runners.

My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!