Bassett Peak via Ash Creek in Coronado National Forest, AZ

Hike Bassett Peak via Ash Creek Coronado National Forest, AZ

Class 1 12.2 miles 3100 gain 5-7 hrs Out + Back Nov 18, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Bassett Peak via Ash Creek GPX Track

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Bassett Peak, the high point of the Galiuro Wilderness in AZ, has a couple of approach trails, but the Ash Creek Trail from the east seemed the most heavily trafficked. I've definitely been on a fair number of Arizona "trails" that have degraded to the point of making a hike miserable, so I opted to go for the trail more traveled. The trail, while partially deteriorating, was in overall great shape.

I was able to get my car almost to the official trailhead, but was stopped by a steep hill into a bouldery wash, hency my start point being farther back. Better vehicles could knock off a couple of round-trip hiking miles. I followed the road to the trailhead and then continued on the road for miles up Ash Creek, where it was certainly not in driveable condition. The road eventually turned into a trail after crossing a few streams (dry for me this time of year) and continued through pretty forest where brush sometimes required the occasional smack. The trail finally began to ascend on switchbacks up to the northern ridge of Bassett Peak. The peak finally came into view, still a fair distance away. Once on the north ridge, the trail continues past an old trail sign and some minor switchbacks, and then keeps just west of the ridge crest to avoid the rocky cliffs. A few final switchbacks lead to Bassett Peak's west slopes, just below the summit. A couple of the switchbacks were starting to erode a bit in sandy areas, unfortunately. The trail starts to descend to the south, so as soon as this happens, leave the trail and locate a social trail that continues to the summit. The views are really nice and have a super remote Southern Arizona feel.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Bassett Peak
7663 ft
3123 rise

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Hiking along the road, which becomes progressively worse.
Hiking along the road, which becomes progressively worse.
Ash Creek Trail in the fall, still an old dirt road.
Ash Creek Trail in the fall, still an old dirt road.
Image 2 from gallery
Gorgeous colors.
Gorgeous colors.
Eventually the road becomes a trail.
Eventually the road becomes a trail.
Ash Creek Trail as it keeps along the bank of Ash Creek.
Ash Creek Trail as it keeps along the bank of Ash Creek.
Image 6 from gallery
Ash Creek Trail ascending from the confines of the forested Ash Creek.
Ash Creek Trail ascending from the confines of the forested Ash Creek.
A view of Bassett Peak as the Ash Creek Trail ascends north to Bassett Peak's north ridge.
A view of Bassett Peak as the Ash Creek Trail ascends north to Bassett Peak's north ridge.
Image 9 from gallery
Image 10 from gallery
Continuing on switchbacks up the slopes, almost at the north ridge.
Continuing on switchbacks up the slopes, almost at the north ridge.
Looking southeast, the direction I came from.
Looking southeast, the direction I came from.
Image 13 from gallery
Bassett Peak visible on the left.
Bassett Peak visible on the left.
An old sign marking a junction. It will be obvious which way Bassett Peak is.
An old sign marking a junction. It will be obvious which way Bassett Peak is.
Continuing south along Bassett Peak's north ridge.
Continuing south along Bassett Peak's north ridge.
Image 17 from gallery
Bassett Peak center.
Bassett Peak center.
Image 19 from gallery
Image 20 from gallery
Switchbacks into brush/forest.
Switchbacks into brush/forest.
Image 22 from gallery
Looking back toward the north ridge as I continue on switchbacks. This is a bit before the turnoff to gain the summit. If you start to descend again, you've gone too far.
Looking back toward the north ridge as I continue on switchbacks. This is a bit before the turnoff to gain the summit. If you start to descend again, you've gone too far.
Bassett Peak summit, view south.
Bassett Peak summit, view south.
Bassett Peak summit, view east. Ash Creek is the major depression in the center.
Bassett Peak summit, view east. Ash Creek is the major depression in the center.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!