Hiking on Mingus Mountain-My Actifit Report Card: March 14 2026
A bit easier day today with a nice 4 mile hike high up on the top of Mingus Mountain overlooking the Cottonwood valley far below - 3000 feet higher and much cooler as a result. 
While the distance to the start of our hike isn't far as a straight line distance it's about 17 miles over a winding mountain road.
There were several cars and ATVs in the parking area but our route took us up a gated Forest Service road to the campground area and the small Mingus Lake along the way. Not that much of a lake (more like a pond) but it was a tranquil area surrounded by pine trees and plenty of noisy jays. The higher altitude and cloudy sky made the temperature much more moderate but Lulu loves to dip her feet and belly in the water and a nice drink was all she needed before heading up the hill to the Forest Service lookout area.
Unfortunately the gate wasn't open yet (probably not for another month) but it was a pretty jaunt.
The return trip was much easier as it was mostly downhill but Lulu had to make another stop at the lake for another sip and dip before reaching the parking area and the end of our mountain adventure today.
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