Hike Mount Peeley and Mount Catherine Tonto National Forest, AZ

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Mount Peeley and Mount Catherine are a pair of modest summits deep within the Mazatzal Mountains, worthwhile for their expansive views and easy access provided by the well-maintained Arizona Trail, which snakes close to both. Mount Peeley is an especially tame outing compared to other peaks in the area, such as the range high point, Mazatzal Peak. Continuing along the AZT to include Mount Catherine adds a bit more effort to check out more of the area.

If not for a couple of steep sections with loose rock, the gorgeous drive in would be suitable for passenger cars. During the day, the road’s twists and turns can be a bit harrowing, as it’s often a one-lane route with limited visibility of oncoming traffic. Driving in at night was also a bit nerve-wracking, with the slopes seeming to drop off into darkness.

A short walk brought me to a junction with the Arizona Trail, where I veered right, following a sign that vaguely gestures toward the concept of “Utah”, and began ascending toward Mount Peeley. The trail uses a series of long switchbacks up the peak’s western slope before wrapping around to the north side. A cairned turn-off to the Mount Peeley summit trail is easy to miss. The spur was generally straightforward to follow, with a few faint sections marked helpfully by cairns. The summit offered excellent panoramic views toward Mount Catherine and the route ahead, with Mazatzal Peak poking out in the distance.

After rejoining the AZT, I made my way toward Mount Catherine. The trail cut through shaded forest on Mount Peeley’s western slope before opening up to rolling hills along the southern ridge of Mount Catherine, with scrubby terrain typical for central Arizona.

I considered bushwhacking directly up Mount Catherine from the south, but as I neared its southern base, it became clear that would be a terrible idea. I continued along the AZT, which smartly wrapped around to the right, eventually bringing Mazatzal Peak into view, separated by deep green canyons. Just before the AZT ascended to the ridge north of Mount Catherine, I left the trail and followed a steep but surprisingly brush-free slope to gain the ridgeline. From there, it was an easy, open walk to the summit of Mount Catherine. The views did not disappoint.

I descended directly east back to the AZT to add a bit of adventure, though I excluded this from my stats and attached map. If you decide to go that way, it’s mostly a clear slope walk until the final few hundred feet, which are a bit brushier. It’s not a bad shortcut, but since the ascent route was so pleasant, I recommend returning the same way via the north ridge.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Peeley

7030 ft

790 rise

Mount Catherine

7358 ft

758 rise

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Arizona Trail sign at the trailhead.

Mount Catherine seen left, taller Mazatzal peaks seen right.

Junction with the AZT. I kept right to ascend toward Mount Peeley.

Switchbacks up the lower portion of Mount Peeley's west slope.

Mount Catherine and Peak 7579 seen in the distance.

View back along the Arizona Trail.

Nearing the turn-off for the summit trail to Mount Peeley. Mount Catherine seen ahead.

The generally easy to follow Mount Peeley summit trail.

Cairns help mark the way when the trail becomes particularly faint.

Mount Peeley summit, view north toward Mount Catherine (left), Peak 7579, and Mazatzal Peak just poking out (center).

Mount Peeley summit, view west toward Sheep Mountain.

Close-up down toward the trailhead and the winding forest road I drove in on.

Back on the Arizona Trail, now heading for Mount Catherine. The trail leads through a forested section on the western slope of Mount Peeley.

Mount Catherine seen left.

Wider shot along the way. This is primarily what the scenery is like the whole way north toward Mount Catherine.

View back toward Mount Peeley.

Nearing the southern base of Mount Catherine. The trail wraps to the right around it. A direct bushwhack from here would be heinous.

View back toward Mount Peeley (left) and Sheep Mountain (center).

Closer view back toward the rolling ridgeline.

Mazatzal Peak comes into view.

Continuing the wrap-around to reach Mount Catherine's north side.

View back, shortly before leaving the trail.

I left the AZT just before it ascended to the ridge, taking this steep slope with minimal brush to gain the ridge.

Brush-free along the ridgeline to the summit of Mount Catherine.

View back along the ridge, looking north.

Wider shot, Mazatzal Peak seen top right.

Mount Catherine summit, view west toward Horseshoe Reservoir.

Mount Catherine summit, view south toward Mount Peeley (right). The trailhead is seen on the left.

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!