Jerome and Prescott: a copper-town loop
A loop from Phoenix to the hillside copper town of Jerome and its mansion museum, over Mingus Mountain on SR 89A, past the granite dells of Watson Lake, and into Prescott's Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row for dinner before the drive home.
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In spring and fall, Jerome (about 5,000 feet) and Prescott (about 5,400 feet) usually have mild, sunny days and cool mornings, often 15°F or more cooler than Phoenix, and the pass on Mingus Mountain near 7,000 feet is cooler and windier still. Spring can be breezy, and October nights can be close to freezing in Prescott. Summer brings Phoenix heat well over 100°F at both ends of the drive and afternoon monsoon thunderstorms from about July to September, while winter storms can bring snow and ice to Mingus Mountain and occasionally to Jerome and Prescott. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel date; check the NWS forecast.
Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.
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