OverviewLocated above the historic mining town of Jerome, Woodchute Mountain is an easy day hike to a broad summit and to impressive lookouts out over the Verde Valley. Humphreys Peak is visible from many vantage points along the trail, and the red cliffs surrounding Sedona are also visible.
From Phoenix follow Interstate-17 to AZ-260 to Cottonwood, then US-89A through Jerome to the pass, roughly 6 miles past Jerome and about 12 miles from Cottonwood. From Prescott it's about 25 miles to this point.
The summit itself requires some easy off-trail cross-country through the forest and grass. Although this is a popular trail it would appear that very few people actually take the time to seek out the true summit. The summit plateau covers a few hundred acres and the true tip-top is not very obvious.
Getting ThereGet on US-89A between Prescott and Cottonwood. When you reach the highpoint of the road at a pass just above 7,000 feet, turn north onto the Potato Patch Campground access road. Drive briefly then turn left onto a side road to a large parking area. Total mileage from the highway is less than 1/2 mile. The road continues past an unlocked gate another 1/2 mile to another parking area (folloow the sign to Woodchute Trail #102). The gate is not marked against traffic. I parked in the first area, thinking the road was closed to cars, but when I walked to the second lot I found out otherwise. Others did the same. The trailhead is well-marked at this second parking area.
Note that the USGS Topo map Hickey Mountain is a tad inaccurate regarding the Potato Patch road. The true turnoff is just a bit south of where it's shown on the map.
Red TapeThere are no fees or permits needed to climb the peak. The land belongs to the Prescott National Forest.
When To ClimbFall through Spring is best, I think. The peak gets winter snow, but in dry spells you should have no trouble. In summer it may get a bit warm, so get an early start. As usual, beware of storminess during the late afternoon during the late summer.
CampingCamping is available at Potato Patch, and it appears also across the highway near Mingus Mountain. Check the web site for fees and further information.
Mountain ConditionsPrescott National Forest link:
Prescott National Forest
Jerome, ArizonaThe town of Jerome is about as vertical a place can get! It's an old mining town that has evolved to become a mix of bars, galleries and B&Bs. It gets crowded on weekends and is a fascinating place. The highway literally zig-zags up through town. Definitely stop in after the hike and enjoy the food, drinks, shops and scenery.
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