Baboquivari Peak Hike

If you have driven to the top of Kitt Peak and the fabulous array of telescopes, you would have noticed to the south a very prominent peak a few miles distant, that is Baboquivari Peak and so, I drove an hour to this dirt road with the intent to hike as far up the peak as is possible, without the use of ropes, of which I have none.

I read a couple of hiking reports and they said at mile 2.6, you would find a fork in the road with a sign for Mormon Corrales and you were to take a right.  Note the peak is getting closer as clouds play across the face of it.  From this point, the road became rougher but still passable via car.

The reports said when you reached a white fence, park and begin walking the remaining 4.4 miles to the base of the steep part of the peak.  OK, the fence was not white but at the time of the reports, written in the late 90's, it was probably white.  This vehicle approached and the occupants told me to be careful because a mule deer hunt was under way.  They said, "No one will shoot you but be careful."  Also, a couple of years ago, two hikers were killed by illegals in the area.  Well, nothing to do but push on so I got out of the car, gathered my gear and began walking.

The base of the peak did not appear to be 4.4 miles away but what the heck.  It was a beautiful day for a hike, low 80's and sunny. I followed a jeep track.

Hmmmm, never seen this out here before and there were a lot of these formations.  Note the faint path.  I shoved a hiking pole way into one hole, thinking maybe a rattler would come out but nothing.  Probably home to some furry varmint.

After walking for 4.5 miles, I reached the real white fence where I was supposed to park but no way to do that without a very high clearance vehicle.  The peak is getting closer. There was also a yellow ranch house, there in the lower right.  How remote!  The trail went to the right of the house and then....

......through a portion of the ranch and note how the corral is constructed with pipes and wood scraps.  I know, you're thinking, dude, you are off the route but no, this is correct, it goes through the perimeter of the house.

After 5 miles, I reached this point and with 4 yet to go, I did not have enough fluids so I turned around.  I planned on a 9 mile hike, not an 18 mile hike.  So close yet so far.  The image does not do justice to the size of the mountain. I'll be back but need a suv to get me closer before setting out on foot.

On the hike back, I re-entered a stream through which the road went and it is kind of tight quarters so the suv ought to have high clearance and be narrow too.  Lots of butterflies around this.

A flock of cholla to the side of the road with a great view to the east. I walked and walked, passed a guy in camo fatigues with a gun, under a tree, watching.

Reached my car and drove away.  Above, ,maybe you can see the white telescopes on the top of Kitt Peak.  I'll be back.