Harquahala Peak

Total Miles
10.3

Elevation

1,731.04 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Overview

This trail is a BLM National Byway. It will take you to the top of Harquahala Peak at 5,681 feet. There is a nice parking area with picnic tables at the top, so bring a lunch. If you want to hike, you can get to an old 1920s observatory. This area is open to unlicensed vehicles with a bunch of side roads to check out. Camping is also available.

Difficulty

Easy: It gets a bit narrow, steep and rough at the top, but any stock 4WD SUV with low range can make it.

History

At the top, find an observatory built by the Smithsonian Institution in use from 1920 to 1925. Information panels explain the history

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Connor Layton
Feb 05, 2024
SxS
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Rockier towards the top than it has been in the past, but still not too bad. Wouldn't go up with a pickup though.
Travis Burtchett
Nov 25, 2023
SxS
Open
Normal

Access Description

From Interstate 10, Exit 81, head northwest on Salome Road for 9.6 miles and turn right on Eagle Eye Road. Continue north 8.5 miles and turn left at large sign forHarquahala Mountain Byway. Drive in short distance to staging area. If you are coming south on Eagle Eye Road from Highway 60, it's about 18.5 miles.

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