Near Safford Peak
Fantastic saguaros near the summit
Near Safford Peak
On the way down from the summit - 1400 steep feet above this point.
Near Safford Peak
Near the summit of Mt Stafford
Near Safford Peak
Stafford Peak trail looking west toward the peak!
Near Safford Peak
Beautiful view of the desert

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Safford Peak

4.1 (18 Ratings)
This is a short but very intense route with two sections of scrambling involved.
3.4
mi
Distance
1,626
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.45mi
Distance
1,626ft
Elevation Gain
1,626ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
3,572ft
High Point
2,232ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Don't let your experience along Scenic Trail make you think that this will be an easy summit. This short route provides many challenges from a slightly rocky first ascent on Safford Peak Trail that will bring you to the first saddle. From here, you'll continue to gain elevation along the northeast side of the mountain until you are looking up at a large rock wall on the east side. At this point, you'll have reached the section of the trail that will circumnavigate you around to the west side of Safford Peak for two more sections of ascending.Once you reach the west side, you'll notice a very dry, dusty, and rocky mountain face where it is possible to lose the trail. Pay close attention to a few key saguaros that you can use as a reference along your descent. Once you reach the highest saddle, you'll encounter one last section of the journey where you'll need to scramble down a slope and then back up to the highest point on the south side.There is an old ammo box with a log up here. Be sure to treat the log with care as many people just turn it into a scribble pad.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Niall Murphy