| when? | Sunday, February 12 : Trip Report |
| where? | Vulture Mountains, about 55 miles to the northwest of Phoenix |
| the hike |
Vulture Peak is a prominent landmark south of Wickenburg. From the trailhead
off of Vulture Mine Road, the trail passes through beautiful Sonoran desert
scenery as it ascends the west side of the mountain. After 2 miles and 1000
feet of gain, the trail ends at a saddle below the peak. The hike beyond the
saddle requires hand-over-foot scrambling up a steep, rocky gully to reach the
peak. Those who don’t want to do this scramble can wait at the saddle.
Parts of the trail are rocky and steep, so bring sturdy footwear. Bring a sack
lunch and plenty of water; there is no water at the trailhead. Dogs are OK but
must be kept on leash. Arizona Republic article on this hike: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/hiking/trails/vulturepeak03.html Topo map: Vulture Peak |
| distance | 5 miles round trip |
| time | 3-4 hours |
| EC | +-1200' elevation change |
| elevations | 2,400' (Trailhead) to 3,658' (Vulture Peak) |
| on trail | 80% — the last half mile to the peak is off-trail scramble |
| hike rating | "C" (moderately easy to saddle, more strenuous to reach peak) |
| cost | $0, though riders should share the cost of gas. The club will allow voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member. |
| weather |
Wickenburg Hike will not be canceled for weather unless the weather is really horrible. |
| meet | 8:00 AM in west Phoenix on the west side of the Fry's Marketplace parking lot at the northeast corner of 43rd. Ave. and McDowell (just north of I-10, exit 140). We will make necessary carpooling arrangements here. Carpooling is recommended because of the long drive to the trailhead. |
| drive | Continue west on I-10 to 339th Ave, exit 103. Go right (north) on 339th Ave, after 2.1 miles turn left (west) on Indian School Road. After 1.9 miles, turn right (north) on 355th Ave. After another 3.4 miles the road will bend left and change into Wickenburg Road. After another 12.9 miles turn right (north) on the signed Vulture Mine Road. Go 12.2 miles on Vulture Mine Road and turn right at the signed turnoff for Vulture Peak Trail, between mile markers 19 and 20. Follow the dirt road (passable by passenger cars) east for 0.5 miles to the signed Vulture Peak Trail parking lot, which has restrooms and an interpretive ramada (note: We will NOT be driving farther up the dirt road to the 4-Wheel-Drive Trailhead). If you want to meet us at the trailhead, we should be there about 9:15 AM. |
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| updated February 25, 2006 | © Copyright 2005, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |