GlassMountains Trip Reports

Exploring the backcountry and wilderness of the Western USA.

Trip Reports

Climbing Reports

Travel using both feet and hands, whether scrambling unroped or technical climbing using rope and anchors.

Browns Peak, Arizona, December 2017

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On Saturday, December 2, I joined the Southern Arizona Hiking Club (SAHC) on a climb of Browns Peak. Browns Peak is located in the Four Peaks Wilderness northeast of Phoenix at the southern terminus of the Mazatzal Mountains. It is the northernmost and highest of the Four Peaks with 7657 feet of elevation. More significantly, Browns Peak is the 18th most prominent peak in Arizona with 3297 feet of topographic prominence.

Looking up at the summit of Browns Peak. The route climbs the steep gully to the right of center.
Looking up at the summit of Browns Peak. The route climbs the steep gully to the right of center.

This was my first SAHC outing for the winter season. We met early in the morning in Oro Valley, carpooled north through Globe and along Roosevelt Lake, then turned west onto the gravel El Oso Road. After several miles we eventually reached the Lone Pine Trailhead north of Browns Peak.

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Three Western Arizona Peaks, November 2017

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On November 25-27 I hiked three Western Arizona peaks. Signal Peak and Castle Dome Peak, are located in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge between Yuma and Quartzsite. I climbed these with old and new Arizona peakbagging friends. On the last day I hiked Cunningham Mountain, located just southwest of Quartzite. This was my first time in this region of Arizona and I enjoyed exploring these peaks.

Signal Peak

Signal Peak from the West, Kofa Mountains
Signal Peak from the West, Kofa Mountains

On Saturday, November 25, Eric Kassan, Stacey Samuels, and I hiked Signal Peak. Signal Peak is located in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge of Western Arizona. Signal Peak is the highpoint of the Kofa Mountains. It is also the 16th most prominent peak in Arizona with 3477 feet of topographic prominence.

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Elkhorn Peak, Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, September 2017

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On September 16 Caleb and I climbed Elkhorn Peak in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. Caleb and I met through our shared interest in exploring the highest and most prominent peaks of Oregon. He is generous in sharing his knowledge and experience with others. I enjoy sharing a climb with him when we can.

The South Gully of Elkhorn Peak from the Copper Creek Trail
The South Gully of Elkhorn Peak from the Copper Creek Trail

I am aware of three Elkhorn Peaks in Oregon, one each in the Cascade, Elkhorn, and Wallowa Mountains. This Elkhorn Peak is the highest and most prominent of the three. It is the 21st highest peak in Oregon with 9233 feet of elevation and 1860 feet of prominence. It is located far up the Lostine Valley south of the town of Lostine. Its summit provides great views of the Wallowa Mountains.

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Cochise Head, Arizona, April 2017

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On Saturday morning, April 22, I met Michael Berry at the entrance to the Chiricahua National Monument. From there we drove into the Monument and spent the rest of the day hiking and climbing Cochise Head in the northern Chiricahua Mountains.

Cochise Head from Massai Point, Chiricahua National Monument
Cochise Head from Massai Point, Chiricahua National Monument

Cochise Head is the 83rd most prominent peak in Arizona with 1913 feet of prominence and 8113 feet of elevation. It is located just north of the Chiricahua National Monument. I visited the monument the previous afternoon and observed Cochise Head from Massai Point.

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