Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Vulture Peak Day Hike
| when |
"Thursday, January 12, 2023"
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| |
Trip Report :
January 21, 2012
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| |
Trip Report :
February 12, 2006
|
| where |
Wickenburg |
| 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 2.1 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. For the persons
going to the top take on the vertical scramble the last 60ft or so to the summit at 3660 ft.
Great views of the surrounding desert abound at the saddle and peak. There will
be a cash reward for anyone who finds Bonnie wedding rings which were lost at the
saddle on 12-17-05. Maybe a fallen rock has exposed a packrat midden laden with
diamonds and rubys.
|
| distance |
4.2 miles |
| time |
4-5 hours |
| EC |
+-1400' elevation change |
| elevations |
2,445' (Trailhead) to 3,658' (Vulture Peak) |
| on trail |
90% — but the final climb to the peak is a steep rock scramble that is off trail |
| rating |
"B" if you do the peak;
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
When car-pooling, pay your share the cost of gas. The
club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather |
Wickenburg |
| leader |
303-868-0216
Email or call the leader to confirm.
|
| meet |
9:00 AM in the
McDonalds parking lot on the NE corner of I-17 and Carefree Hwy.
Park away from the restaurant. Look for the white Toyota Tundra with Colorado plates.
|
| drive |
| • |
Take AZ 74 W about 30 miles to US 60 W. Turn R and go 10 miles to the roundabout
and follow US 60 W about 2.5 miles to a stoplight for Vulture Mine Road.
Turn L and go 6.7 miles to the Vulture Peak Trail road on the Left.
Follow the gravel 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
(We will NOT be driving farther up the dirt road to the 4-Wheel-Drive Trailhead).
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