Mingus Mountain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mingus Mountain
Mingus Mountain viewed from Cottonwood, Arizona
Highest point
Elevation	7,818 ft (2,383 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	793 ft (242 m)
Naming
Native name	Hwa:lkyañaña  (Havasupai–Hualapai)
Geography
Mingus Mountain Location in Arizona
Location	Yavapai County, Arizona, U.S.
Parent range	Black Hills
Topo map	USGS Cottonwood
Climbing
Easiest route	Road

Mingus Mountain (which is called Hwa:lkyañaña in the Yavapai language) is a tall mountain in Arizona, U.S.. It's part of the Black Hills mountain range. You can find it inside the Prescott National Forest. A road called State Route 89A goes right through it. This road is about halfway between the towns of Cottonwood and Prescott.

You can reach the very top of the mountain by using special Forest Service roads. These roads branch off from State Route 89A. From the top, you get amazing views of the Verde Valley and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. You can also see the towns of Cottonwood, Jerome, and Clarkdale.

Exploring Mingus Mountain

Mingus Mountain is a great place for outdoor adventures. The Woodchute Wilderness, which is north of the mountain's summit, offers more beautiful views. It also has many hiking trails for you to explore.

There are several National Forest campgrounds in the area. These are perfect spots if you want to spend a night under the stars. The mountain is also a key spot for television signals. It's where the main transmitter for Prescott's TV station, KAZT-TV, is located. Several smaller TV stations for nearby towns also use this spot.

Mingus Mountain is also very popular for flying sports. It's the top spot for the Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. People come from all over to launch their hang gliders and paragliders from here.

How Mingus Mountain Got Its Name

The mountain's name, Mingus Mountain, has an interesting story. According to a book called Roadside History of Arizona by Marshall Trimble, it was named after two brothers. These brothers, Joseph and Jacob Mingus, settled in the area in the 1880s. They later ran a sawmill near the bottom of the mountain.

However, another story suggests a different person. Some believe the mountain was named after William Mingus. He was a pioneer prospector who lived and worked on Mingus Mountain in the 1870s. He passed away in 1911 in Prescott, Arizona.

Mingus Lookout Complex

At the very top of Mingus Mountain, you'll find the Mingus Lookout Complex. This complex includes a fire tower and other buildings. Fire towers are important because they help spot wildfires from a distance. This complex is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place with historical value.

Images for kids

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  The launching platform for hang gliding on Mingus Mountain

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  A hang glider preparing for launch at Mingus Mountain