Location: southwest of Wickenburg Distance: 4 miles, round trip (TH - saddle - TH) Ascent: 940 feet to the saddle, 1.180 feet to the summit Hike time: about 3 hours round trip (saddle), 3.5 hours (summit) Opening hours: no restrictions Direction: From the junction of US-60 and US-93 in Wickenburg
go west on US-60 for about 2.4 miles, there turn south onto Vulture Mine
Peak Road and continue for 6 miles to the turnoff (sign) to the Vulture
Peak Trail; there turn east and drive for 0.4 miles to the main trailhead.
4WD's can continue to the higher trailhead (another 1.4 miles).
Vulture Peak. This Wickenburg landmark seems to be unclimbable from the
distance but as you get closer you change your mind. In the matter of fact
there is a beautiful trail up to the saddle for moderate hikers. But to get
all the way to the summit you have to be experienced in very steep terrain -
not recommended if you have any issues with height or balance.
The mountain got its name from the nearby Vulture Mine, one of the richest
gold mines in the history of Arizona and discovered by the Austrian Henry
Wickenburg in 1863.
Main Trailhead, Vulture Peak Trail
Trailheads. As you turn onto the gravel road to the trailheads you
drive through a popular RV parking lot. Then the narrow road winds gently to
the main trailhead - passing a field of Cholla cacti.
At this primary trailhead you will find several interpretive signs (see
photo on the right). There is space for 15 cars and no water or
restrooms.
4WD's can continue for another 1.4 miles to a higher trailhead with parking
for 4 cars - again no water or restrooms.
The hike. First follow the 4WD road to the higher trailhead.
From there the ascending trail heads north, about half way up the mountain,
before it changes direction to south, up to the saddle.
At the saddle you will have a spectacular view over the desert. It's worth to
enjoy a break. Don't forget to have some snacks and water.
The experienced can go for the summit (north of the saddle) but it takes some
scrambling to get up to the highest point.
Vulture Peak (enlargeable)
Tipps: Smaller steps are easier to control and also easier on your knees. Don't
hike too fast - especially if you are not used to the desert climate and the
heat.
Note: You hike at your own risk. Information found on this site is not
guaranteed to be correct. Please be aware that you are in the desert.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes and bring plenty of water.
Info: Unfortunately I could not take any pictures during the hike. The
batterie of my digicam was empty. Another reason to go back soon.
Links to websites with info and photos
about the Vulture Peak (links open in a new window):
Vulture Peak Trail BLM info website
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Vulture Peak info and photos provided by azcentral.com
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Vulture Peak Hike with many photos provided by wandel.ca
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