North Ajo Peak in Little Ajo Mountains BLM, AZ

Hike North Ajo Peak Little Ajo Mountains BLM, AZ

Class 3 2.1 miles 900 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Mar 22, 2022
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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North Ajo Peak was a nice sunset add-on that we had noticed earlier in the day. Along with its more impressive Class 5 southern neighbor, Ajo Peak, this pair forms a nice couple of pinnacles on the horizon. We didn't have time for Ajo Peak, but maybe one day we'll come back for it. This peak shouldn't be confused with the high-prominence high point of the Ajo Mountains, Mount Ajo. We navigated on on good dirt roads, then headed south on this less-good road starting here (32.34743, -112.90176). Hiking this would only add a mile or so round-trip.

We traversed the desert, wrapping northwest around the south side of North Ajo Peak, the terrain mostly tame except for a few arroyos. Once at the south side of North Ajo Peak we made our way up a minor ridge that seemed like it might lead us toward the summit. With some Class 2 on scree, some light bushwhacking, and the occasional low Class 3 move, we were able to navigate the small rock ribs and outcrops that are difficult to describe with anything that will resemble helpfulnes. Now at the base of the sheer southern cliff face of North Ajo Peak, we were able to wrap up to its west ridge by pulling a series of Class 3 moves on solid rock that hug the cliff base and then ascending Class 2.

Once on the ridgeline, I was immediately sure I'd be bailing on this one. An exposed Class 4 vertical knife-edge leads along the ridgeline, followed by some Class 3 scrambling. My friends coaxed me to get through it, but the breakable holds had me really regretting it. I took a photo on the way back of a Class 3 ledge workaround located 30 or so feet below the ridge. I recommend taking this option instead. While still somewhat exposed, it doesn't require any exposed Class 4 climbing.

Past the knife edge was a final series of chutes situated next to each other. My friends, as they do, took the first option presented to them, Class 4. I popped over to the chute to the right, which was a little brushy, but only Class 2+/3. The sunset summit views were nice, but I wish I had known about that ledge option for the way back. Descending that Class 4 ridge was not fun for me on the way down.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
North Ajo Peak
2776 ft
756 rise

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Ajo Peak (we didn't climb this one today), quite impressive to the south.
Ajo Peak (we didn't climb this one today), quite impressive to the south.
North Ajo Peak, a quick desert jaunt required to reach its base.
North Ajo Peak, a quick desert jaunt required to reach its base.
Nearing the south side of North Ajo Peak. See the large shadowy rib right of center in this photo just below the summit? We headed to its base and wrapped around it on the left.
Nearing the south side of North Ajo Peak. See the large shadowy rib right of center in this photo just below the summit? We headed to its base and wrapped around it on the left.
Starting up our chosen slope.
Starting up our chosen slope.
View back, Ajo Peak visible center.
View back, Ajo Peak visible center.
Some Class 2/3 along the way.
Some Class 2/3 along the way.
Scree, but short-lived.
Scree, but short-lived.
Steep, somewhat brushy terrain.
Steep, somewhat brushy terrain.
At the base of the south side of North Ajo Peak's summit cliff, where we located a Class 3 series of fun moves. Matt seen coming up them below.
At the base of the south side of North Ajo Peak's summit cliff, where we located a Class 3 series of fun moves. Matt seen coming up them below.
At the top of the Class 3 bit. To the left and out of frame is the Class 3 ledge bypass (next photo).
At the top of the Class 3 bit. To the left and out of frame is the Class 3 ledge bypass (next photo).
Class 3 ledge bypass option.
Class 3 ledge bypass option.
Chris seen on the right coming up the last bit of Class 2 to gain the ridge. Matt is starting up the Class 4 scary set of moves (avoidable by using the ledge lower down pictured previously).
Chris seen on the right coming up the last bit of Class 2 to gain the ridge. Matt is starting up the Class 4 scary set of moves (avoidable by using the ledge lower down pictured previously).
Close-up of Matt on the Class 4.
Close-up of Matt on the Class 4.
Past the Class 4, a short knife edge leads to the final few moves. Chris and Matt took the most obvious, shadowy chute in the center. I preferred one to its right.
Past the Class 4, a short knife edge leads to the final few moves. Chris and Matt took the most obvious, shadowy chute in the center. I preferred one to its right.
Chris on his chosen Class 4 chute. Mine was out of frame on the right.
Chris on his chosen Class 4 chute. Mine was out of frame on the right.
North Ajo Peak summit, view north along the ridge we just came across. The ledge bypass is in the center of this photo.
North Ajo Peak summit, view north along the ridge we just came across. The ledge bypass is in the center of this photo.
North Ajo Peak summit, view south.
North Ajo Peak summit, view south.
Ajo Peak to the south seen on the way back at sunset.
Ajo Peak to the south seen on the way back at sunset.

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!