Castaneda Wash Peaks in Castaneda Hills BLM, AZ

Hike Castaneda Wash Peaks Castaneda Hills BLM, AZ

Class 3 5.1 miles 2400 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Dec 17, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This cluster of peaks lies just east of Castaneda Wash, a series of unnamed volcanic lumps that caught our attention on a topo map. Many of them offered interesting features, and since we had ample time after hiking Castaneda Peak earlier in the day, it made for a worthwhile outing. We accessed the area via Alamo Road, turning southwest onto Planet Ranch Road here (34.60633, -113.81518). We then took a southbound road at (34.48789, -113.91097), which became increasingly sandy and unsuitable for passenger vehicles. We eventually turned east into a wash here (34.38749, -113.90503).

Our first objective was Peak 2055, a straightforward hike with a few short sections of scrambling. From its summit, we enjoyed a clear view of the Aubrey Peak Wilderness, where we planned to hike the following day. From there, we descended eastward and climbed Peak 2160. This ascent presented a slightly more engaging challenge, requiring some route-finding to reach the summit. The ridge is a narrow fin, but by traversing around its eastern side, we located a slab scramble that allowed us to gain the crest. We continued along the blocky ridge to the summit, where nothing exceeded Class 3. After backtracking, we headed west toward Peak 2304, passing a guzzler at the saddle along the way.

To reach Peak 2304, we found a weakness in the dark southeastern face that led to the ridge crest. Several hundred feet of fun Class 2/2+ terrain led to the summit. The steep west face appeared too difficult to descend, but fortunately, we discovered a feasible route down from the southern shoulder. Our next goal was Peak 2180, which we approached via a Class 2 ascent on its northeast side, followed by a gradual slope leading to the high point.

We descended the northern slope of Peak 2180, crossed the desert, and arrived at the base of Peak 2013. The route involved hiking up rocky terrain to a notch just right of the summit block. The final ascent featured fun, solid scrambling, with the crux being a Class 3+ lip move. Our cars were just below us, but we either had to wrap all the way around the peak or find a more direct way down. Descending directly from the notch required negotiating a short Class 3+ face, though it's likely possible to find a less technical route by exploring other options.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Peak 2055
2055 ft
315 rise
2
Peak 2160
2160 ft
380 rise
3
Peak 2304
2304 ft
544 rise
4
Peak 2180
2180 ft
400 rise
5
Peak 2013
2013 ft
313 rise

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Peak 2055 first, seen ahead.
Peak 2055 first, seen ahead.
Mostly just a slope walk.
Mostly just a slope walk.
And a short scramble section.
And a short scramble section.
Close-up toward the Aubrey Peak Wilderness.
Close-up toward the Aubrey Peak Wilderness.
Our next peaks. Second is Peak 2160, seen left.
Our next peaks. Second is Peak 2160, seen left.
Approaching the summit fin.
Approaching the summit fin.
We kept left around the fin.
We kept left around the fin.
Short scramble to the ridgeline.
Short scramble to the ridgeline.
Ridge crest scramble to Peak 2160.
Ridge crest scramble to Peak 2160.
Peak 2160, view toward Peak 2304.
Peak 2160, view toward Peak 2304.
Image 10 from gallery
Image 11 from gallery
We passed a guzzler at the saddle. Peak 2160 seen above as we navigate to a weakness on Peak 2304.
We passed a guzzler at the saddle. Peak 2160 seen above as we navigate to a weakness on Peak 2304.
Fun scramble up the southeast ridge of Peak 2304.
Fun scramble up the southeast ridge of Peak 2304.
View back down.
View back down.
On our way up Peak 2108, Peak 2304 seen behind.
On our way up Peak 2108, Peak 2304 seen behind.
Flattish summit area.
Flattish summit area.
View along the crest of Peak 2180.
View along the crest of Peak 2180.
View back at our route down from Peak 2180.
View back at our route down from Peak 2180.
Our last summit, Peak 2013.
Our last summit, Peak 2013.
Looking back as we ascend Peak 2013.
Looking back as we ascend Peak 2013.
Eastern ridge of Peak 2013 was easiest. We ascended to a notch in the center of this photo.
Eastern ridge of Peak 2013 was easiest. We ascended to a notch in the center of this photo.
Class 3 up to the summit.
Class 3 up to the summit.
View down at the scramble to Peak 2013's summit.
View down at the scramble to Peak 2013's summit.
Castaneda Peak and Castaneda Hills seen in the distance.
Castaneda Peak and Castaneda Hills seen in the distance.
A Class 3+ route we took down from the notch to get back to the wash where our cars were.
A Class 3+ route we took down from the notch to get back to the wash where our cars were.

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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!