Higher Learning-Extra Credit Loop

HIGHER LEARNING-EXTRA CREDIT LOOP

Blowout Wash Trail System is well signed

Situated in the foothills below Mingus Mountain a couple of miles south of the Town of Cottonwood, The Blowout Wash Recreation Area trail system offers an airier alternative to crowded Sedona-area hike destinations. 

Yucca bloom on the Extra Credit Trail

The 15+-mile system in Prescott National Forest is made up of flowing singletrack loops that are easy to customize for both challenging day hikes and easy strolls. 

View of Mingus Mountain from Bullseye Trail

The loops run through a scenic mix of  high desert terrain. 

Barestem larkspur bloom March - May

The varied terrain and microclimates of water-scoured washes, a chiseled stone-walled canyon, edgy ridgelines and high desert grasslands are the backbone and soul of this always entertaining non-motorized maze.  An excellent, moderate-rated introduction to the area links up four trails for a tour of some of the system’s sweet high point vistas. 

Desert Four O'Clock bloom April - September

Beginning at the main trailhead along Forest Road 493, the loop begins with a 0.2-mile walk on Blowout Canyon Trail. 

Trail cut visible on knoll from Higher Learning

Right out of the chute, the hike delivers amazing 360-degree vistas, dominated by 7,818-foot Mingus Mountain in the west and the sprawling Verde Valley to the north. 

Thistle frame a view on Extra Credit Trail

The route then veers right onto the Bullseye Trail where it begins a leisurely mile-long climb through a corrugated landscape dotted with junipers, common hop trees, velvet ash, yucca and cacti.

View of Sedona Red Rocks from Bullseye Trail

At 1.2 miles, the circuit connects with the Higher Learning Trail. 

Bear grass on the Higher Learning Trail

This segment offers the best views of Sedona Red Rocks, the twisting, green channel of Oak Creek and the geometric layout of vineyards in the valley below.

Strawberry hedgehog cactus bloom March - May

But the views are temporarily swallowed up where the trail slides into a minor canyon before swinging back uphill.

Silverleaf nightshade bloom April - November

Higher Learning Trail ascends a ridgeline

The hike encounters a breezy lookout point at the Extra Credit Trail junction-- a treeless ridgeline with a fringe of yucca and prickly pear cactus anchoring an expansive grassland flush with wildflowers like Barestem larkspur, sego lilies, Four O'Clock, antelope horns, tufted evening primrose, silverleaf nightshade, thistle, prickly poppies, Blackfoot daisies, scarlet beeblossom and miniature wool star--to name a few. 

Range ratany shrubs bloom April - October

At the junction, hikers may opt for a longer, 6.7-mile loop by continuing straight ahead, or a 4.9-mile-miler by turning left at the sign. Either way, Higher Leaning reconnects with the Extra Credit Trail that makes an easy, half-mile descent to reconnect with the Blowout Canyon Trail.

Scarlet beeblossom bloom April - September

Along the Blowout Canyon segment, peeks at the steep-walled, eponymous canyon and an impressive community of ocotillo and blooming cactus enter the fray.

A short trail climbs Blowout Butte

Over this half-mile leg, distant mountain peaks hover over the southern horizon while flowering shrubs like range ratany vie for attention underfoot.  Back at the Bullseye Trail junction, the route doubles back to the trailhead where a colorful map kiosk shows the entire trails system layout and more ways to enjoy the quieter side of Verde Valley hiking. 

Blowout Wash trailhead

Wing-like seeds on a common hoptree

LENGTH:

Short Loop: 4.9 miles

Long Loop:  6.7 miles

RATING:

Short Loop: moderate

Long Loop: moderate

ELEVATION:

Short Loop:  3,806 – 4,318 feet (926 feet of accumulated elevation change)

Long Loop: 3,806 - 4,675 feet. (1,129 feet of accumulated elevation change)

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 17 north of Camp Verde, take the Cornville Road/County Road 30 exit 293. Continue 17.7 miles west on Cornville Road, which will turn into Mingus Avenue and then Forest Road 493, to the Blowout Wash Recreation Area trailhead on the right. For reference, the trailhead is 1.5 miles south of the Cottonwood airport. Roads are paved except for a short section of rough dirt that’s suitable for all vehicles.There are no fees or facilities at the trailhead.

INFO:

Prescott National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=84363&actid=50