Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Harquahala Summit Day Hike

when	Trip Report : April 9, 2016
where	Harquahala Mountains Wilderness
the hike	At 5,681 feet, Harquahala Summit is the tallest mountain in southwestern Arizona. If you’re interested in a rigorous and challenging hike, then this one is for you. Although nearly identical to the Humphreys Peak Trail in both distance and elevation gain, altitude sickness won’t be an issue here. Harquahala Summit tops out at 5,681 feet, while Mt. Humphreys goes all the way up to 12,633 feet – almost 7,000 feet higher.     The first two miles of the trail are a steady but relatively easy climb. And although the trail is wide and easy to follow all the way up to the summit, the last three miles are the toughest stretch, with rough, rocky terrain and the last 3/4 mile climbing 1,100 feet. Most of the trail is within the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness, established in 1990, although the summit lies just outside of the wilderness area.     According to one of our hikers, there are some great views along the way, as we climb higher on the trail. Weather and wind conditions permitting, we’ll stop for lunch on the summit and return back to the trailhead on the same trail. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	11.0 miles round trip.
time	7-8 hours
EC	+-3359' elevation change
elevations	2,322 feet at trailhead to 5,681 feet at summit
type	round trip
starting at	Harquahala Summit Trailhead 33° 50.562' N,  113° 23.075' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100%
rating	"A"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Salome
meet	Due to the driving distance to the trailhead and the length and difficulty of this hike, we’ll meet at  6:00 AM  near the McDonalds at I-17 and Carefree Highway (US 74), east of I-17 and on the north side of Carefree Highway. Go one block east on Carefree Highway and turn left (north) on North Valley Pkwy. and take an immediate right into the gas station/Albertsons shopping center. McDonalds is just to the east of the 4 Sons gas station. We’ll make all carpooling arrangements here and depart promptly at 6:15 AM. NOTE: High clearance vehicles are required for the 2.2 mile stretch of dirt road between US 60 and the Harquahala Trailhead.
drive	•  Take AZ 74 west for 36 miles to US 60 just north of Morristown. • Drive northwest on US 60 for 10 miles to Wickenburg. • In Wickenburg, at the intersection of US 93 and US 60, continue driving west on US 60 for 40 miles. • Watch for Mile Marker 71 on US 60. Exactly 0.4 miles past this marker and less than 100 yards beyond a lone palm tree located on the north (right) side of the highway, turn left onto a narrow dirt road and look for a gate just off the highway with a sign that says “Trail”. Proceed through this gate. If you reach Mile Marker 70, you’ve gone too far and need to turn around. • Continue following the “Trail” signs for 2.2 miles to the trailhead and parking lot provided by the BLM. Restrooms are located at the trailhead.

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updated April 10, 2016	© Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.