Big Caprock Peak via Wild Mustang Trail in Tortolita Mountain Park, AZ

Hike Big Caprock Peak via Wild Mustang Trail Tortolita Mountain Park, AZ

Class 2 7.6 miles 1700 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Apr 2, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Big Caprock Peak via Wild Mustang Trail GPX Track

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Tortolita Mountain Park is a small range on the northwest side of Tucson, AZ, often overlooked due to its proximity to the more impressive Santa Catalina Mountains nearby. This modest range has a nice trail system and lovely desert scenery, and with an afternoon free, I figured I'd give the area a visit. Big Caprock Peak was my goal, and if I fell in love with the Tortolitas, I could extend the hike into a loop, though ultimately from the summit I determined it was the most interesting thing nearby and skipped the loop. Access to the Wild Burro Trailhead is oddly placed past the boundary of a Ritz-Carlton, so I drove through a gate where an attendant waved me through.

I started along the Hotel Spur Trail, which paralleled the paved hotel road for a bit before ascending from fancy-people land to the Upper Javelina Trail. I stayed on this trail briefly before reaching the Wild Mustang Trail. There were lots of huge saguaros and blooming desert wildflowers, so I was definitely enjoying the sights. The Wild Mustang Trail contoured for a bit as it headed northeast, meandering along relatively flat terrain high above the north side of Wild Burro Canyon. I got some intermittent views of Mount Lemmon and other closer peaks within the Tortolitas. While the Wild Mustang Trail intersects with a few side washes, it remains easy to follow for the duration I was on it.

At about 4100', a social trail appeared on the left, my cue to leave the Wild Mustang Trail in order to approach Big Caprock Peak. This trail is also easy to follow, if a lot more narrow than the official trail system. It undulated over some hills before making a final push to the granite-covered base of the peak. Cairns mark the easiest way up the boulders, but nothing exceeds Class 2, including the summit block.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Big Caprock Peak
4416 ft
496 rise

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Hotel Spur Trail parallels the road.
Hotel Spur Trail parallels the road.
Hotel Spur Trail starts up into the hills.
Hotel Spur Trail starts up into the hills.
Image 2 from gallery
Along the Upper Javelina Trail.
Along the Upper Javelina Trail.
Lovely views as I gain elevation.
Lovely views as I gain elevation.
Along the Wild Mustang Trail.
Along the Wild Mustang Trail.
The Wild Mustang Trail contoured for a bit, heading northwest.
The Wild Mustang Trail contoured for a bit, heading northwest.
Image 7 from gallery
A brief drop into a little drainage.
A brief drop into a little drainage.
View back along the Wild Mustang Trail.
View back along the Wild Mustang Trail.
Big Caprock Peak seen above.
Big Caprock Peak seen above.
View back again shortly before reaching the social trail junction.
View back again shortly before reaching the social trail junction.
Keep left at this social trail, leaving the Wild Mustang Trail, in order to access Big Caprock Peak.
Keep left at this social trail, leaving the Wild Mustang Trail, in order to access Big Caprock Peak.
View back along the social trail, the Santa Catalina Mountains in the distance.
View back along the social trail, the Santa Catalina Mountains in the distance.
Big Caprock Peak ahead.
Big Caprock Peak ahead.
Ascending to the boudlery base of the peak.
Ascending to the boudlery base of the peak.
Navigating Class 2 boulders and slabs to gain the summit.
Navigating Class 2 boulders and slabs to gain the summit.
A social trail aids in locating the most efficient way up.
A social trail aids in locating the most efficient way up.
View back as I head up the bouldery slope.
View back as I head up the bouldery slope.
Big Caprock Peak summit block left.
Big Caprock Peak summit block left.
Big Caprock Peak summit, view into Wild Burro Canyon. Mount Lemmon seen far left.
Big Caprock Peak summit, view into Wild Burro Canyon. Mount Lemmon seen far left.
Big Caprock Peak summit, view southwest.
Big Caprock Peak summit, view southwest.

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!