Harquahala Mountain Peak
(Backcoutry Adventures Arizona, Central #12).
Date: Sunday, July 21
Time: 8:45, depart at 9
Place: QT (Quik trip): 67th Ave & McDowell,
1/2 mile north of I10, nw corner of intersection.
At 5,691 feet, Harquahala Mountain is
the highest peak in Southwestern
Arizona. The road is relatively well graded, however, portions
of the roads
are very step. The book states that 4wd is required for
these stepper
portions - mainly to make it up the hill without wheel spin
and trashing the
road. When Brandon & I were there in January there was
a non-4wd up there.
At the top we will have cooler weather
to picnic, and checkout an abandoned
observatory. We will also be able to observe an have awesome
view of the
Harcuvar Mtns & McMullen Valley to the north; and the
Little Harquahala Mtns
to the south.
Besides the primary road, there are several
side roads to explore. There is
a short & tasty drive to Monterey Mine. It continues
past the mine and looks
to have a high pucker quotient.
Bring plenty of
water and a picnic lunch. The peak will be nice, but the
surrounding lower-elevation lands will still be hot.
