[dzJeepChic]

Harquahala Mountain Peak

February, 13, 2010

All Day Scenic Trailride

This will be our 1st time doing this trail. It is said to be a 2 (out of 5) rated trail west of Wickenburg. The trail climbs to the top of Harquahala Peak, just under 6000' elevation, and the 360* views are said to be outstanding. Trip reports I read showed some mining ruins, and there is also an abandoned observatory at the top. The Smithsonian Institute sent 8 scientists there from 1920 to 1925 as part of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Program to collect data about the sun.

*edit - part of the way up there is a turn off and a short trail to the Alaska Mine

This trail is suitable for stock high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Please plan on an all day trail ride! Bring lunch, snacks, water, camera, tools, etc.

Due to Wickenburg Gold Rush Days Parade on Saturday Meeting Place Change!

Meeting time & place has changed to: 10:00 AM at the intersection of I-10 & Salome Rd.

To get there take I-10 West from Phoenix to Exit 81.

Trail Leaders:
Number 7 & DZJeepchic

Attenting:
team daydreamin'
Ladybug
Scottl
PEShaw48
Macinyart & Guests

Would Like to Ride with Someone:
Gearhead

[ob1jeeper]

Cool place to visit... Both literally and figuratively... At this time of year, be sure to take a jacket and some hot chocolate...

Been up there a number of times, with out-of-state visitors to show them AZ is about more than just cactus & snakes...

Happens to be the tallest peak in SW AZ, from which on a clear day you can see both Bill Williams Mtn, and the Humphrey Peaks, as well as a number of other locales in the state...

[theksmith]

i'm in... nice find guys!

[Slider]

Please put me down as a strong maybe. I want to out!

[DayDreamin']

I'm in. Going as passenger so I can take lots of pictures with my new camera. And of course my pit crew will be in tow. Sounds awesome!

[theksmith]

didn't realize this was valentines weekend, i'm out

[dzJeepChic]

didn't realize this was valentines weekend, i'm out

This IS our Valentine's! I thought she'd like to drive for a change?

=( d

[datrupr]

Sounds like fun and I would like to join. But I will be out of town that weekend. Hopefully the next one.

[theksmith]

This IS our Valentine's! I thought she'd like to drive for a change?

=( d

her idea of valentines has absolutely nothing to do with the jeep involved!

how long is the trail, what time going to be finished you think?

[dzJeepChic]

her idea of valentines has absolutely nothing to do with the jeep involved!

how long is the trail, what time going to be finished you think?

One report I read said to allot 1.5 hrs. up & 1.25 hrs. down including picture stops. It didn't say if that included the side trip to the Alaska Mine, but the side road is short, so conservatively you could and an hour. Also, that doesn't include the 18 miles to the trailhead & back on a paved road (i think) from Hwy. 60, so conservatively add another hour. So, I'd say 5 hours to be on the safe side, which would put us back in Aguila at 3. That's barring any mishaps.

d