Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Vulture Peak Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
January 21, 2012
|
| |
Trip Report :
February 12, 2006
|
| where |
Wickenburg |
| the hike |
Put on your cowboy hat and join us to hike up Vulture Peak,
just outside of the Wild West town of Wickenburg, AZ! Wickenburg is only 60
miles northwest of Phoenix. This mountain and nearby Vulture Mine played key
roles in the births of Wickenburg and Phoenix. We’ll park at the lower
trailhead and start off hiking on the 4 wheel drive road to the upper trailhead.
Then the trail will get steeper as we ascend the mountain via some switchbacks.
When we reach the saddle there will be some nice views.
Most people will make the saddle their turnaround point, however for the more
experienced and adventurous hikers, you have the option to scramble up the
steep, rocky last short stretch to the summit.
If there is enough interest, we can also stop at the Hassayampa River
Preserve (HMP) afterwards for a little more hiking.
The HMP has 6 short trails, varying from 0.11 to 0.65 miles.
Another option is to dine at either the Horseshoe Café or
Anita’s Cocina in Wickenburg.
|
| distance |
4.2 to 6.5 miles |
| time |
4-5 hours |
| EC |
+-1200' elevation change |
| elevations |
2,445' (Trailhead) to 3,658' (Vulture Peak) |
| on trail |
100% — but the final climb to the peak is a steep rock scramble |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
$5 per person for Hassayampa River Preserve, if we choose that option.
When car-pooling, pay your share the cost of gas. The
club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather |
Wickenburg |
| meet |
7:30 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park
behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride.
We will leave promptly at 7:45 AM.
|
| drive |
| • |
Go west on I-10 to 339th Ave, exit 103. |
| • |
Turn 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. |
| • |
In 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).
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