18.9
PDI
12.2 mi
DISTANCE
3,476 ft
GAINED
5.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Just do it! We were so pleasantly surprised by this little known climb located smack dab in the middle of Arizona (with only 346 riders on Strava as of March 2016). This climb is about halfway between Sedona and Prescott on Highway 89A. We LOVED the Mingus Mountain climb for two primary reasons: (1) exceptional views back to the northeast of the spectacular Sedona mesa formations, and (2) the late 19th century restored copper mining town of Jerome.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The 12 mile Mingus bike climb averages 5.1% (6% if descent is eliminated from the gradient equation). 10% (1.2 miles) of the climb is descent, 27% (3.3 miles) is at 0-5% grade, 59% (7.2 miles), 5-10%, 3.3% (0.4 miles) 10-15%, and 5% of the climb (0.1 mile) is at 15-20% grade. The climb's steepest quarter-mile is 10.7% and steepest continuous mile 6.9%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Excellent. The climb is on Highway 89A but the roadway is in great condition.
Traffic: Mild to moderate.
Parking: We parked on Cement Plant Road 30 yards from Highway 89A and the start of the climb - Map; Street View.
Provisions: There is a gas station with snacks and beverages at the start of the climb. You may also dine or get snacks and beverages in the charming town of Jerome at mile 4.5.
Weather: It can be hot in this area in the summer (average high is 100 degrees in July). Consult the PJAMM "Full Forecast" feature for the time you expect to do this climb and prepare accordingly.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
We recommend staying in either Jerome or Sedona (23 miles) for this climb and also consider riding Sedona bike climb.
ROUTE MAP
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silverfishtrailers
I've done this several times with and without a fully loaded BOB trailer.
From both sides once you reach the summit there is camping on either side. Potato Patch is to the North side and is reserved and paid only. The S. side is 2.5 miles of fire/logging roads and is dispersed free camping.
I've biked up from Phoenix to Prescott Valley (stop to get a 12 of good can ales) then up to the top. Prescott Valley to summit is much easier than the Sedona to summit route.
The corners are tight and blind for approaching drivers. The views into the Sedona Red Rocks Valley are amazing and distracting. But, there are great restaurants and breweries on either end!
Watch for cattle and turkeys at the summit area. They can get a wee bit startled and pissy.
Robert
A very cool hang glider launch at the top - I started at 5:30am and there was minimal traffic. Don't forget to hook in!
carbon23
This climb really shines after reaching Jerome. Before Jerome, the traffic is fast, heavy, and there is no shoulder to speak of. After Jerome, the traffic falls off a bit and moves a bit slower, and the views greatly improve. If I were to do this again, I would probably just start and end in Jerome.
