North Peloncillo High Point in Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness Area, AZ

Hike North Peloncillo High Point Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness Area, AZ

Class 3 5.9 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Nov 14, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

North Peloncillo High Point GPX Track

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North Peloncillo Mountains High Point lies on the border of Arizona and New Mexico. It's just a bit off the Interstate and worked well as an add-on as I was driving into New Mexico. The drive out to the trailhead was actually a graded dirt road, and I only had to be careful for the last mile or so through a couple of washes and a long sandy section, where low clearance vehicles might struggle. The trailhead (unofficial) is just outside the gate for private property.

I followed a fenceline north for a while, noting a break in the cliff base of the peak to the northwest that would serve as my drainge to start the ascent. The fenceline eventually boxed me in, so I hopped a fence or two in order to get over to my drainage. A bit more desert walking led to the mouth of the drainage, which was framed by beautiful rock pinnacles on either side. I entered its mouth and ascended a steep and dirty slope to a weakness on the left side. A short Class 3 section took me to the south ridge of North Peloncillo High Point, which I followed north. I wrapped around the right side of a major rock outcropping, and then encountered another short Class 3 section. At the top of this short set of moves, I could see the peak ahead. The sloped ridge continued north and entered a small maze of massive bouders and cacti. Surprisingly, I took the same route through this maze on the way down as I did on the way up, so maybe it's less confusing than it appears? A final short Class 2+ move leads to higher ground, and a short jaunt to the beautiful summit came into view.

On the way down, some cows had entered the drainage and a bull wouldn't get out of my way. Generally weary of any wildlife, I kept my distance. I later stumbled on a herd of 20+ javelinas. Omg these things are incredibly fast, cute, and derpy. Look them up.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
North Peloncillo High Point
6520 ft
2193 rise

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Following the fenceline, North Peloncillo High Point visible ahead.
Following the fenceline, North Peloncillo High Point visible ahead.
Nearing the end of the fenceline, North Peloncillo High Point left of center. My goal is to first get to the mouth of the wash on the far left in this photo.
Nearing the end of the fenceline, North Peloncillo High Point left of center. My goal is to first get to the mouth of the wash on the far left in this photo.
Heading through the desert to the wash.
Heading through the desert to the wash.
Entering the wash, cool pinnacles on either side.
Entering the wash, cool pinnacles on either side.
Within the wash. I headed up to the left where I saw the most reasonable break in the vliffs.
Within the wash. I headed up to the left where I saw the most reasonable break in the vliffs.
Class 3 move.
Class 3 move.
View back down toward the mouth of the drainage.
View back down toward the mouth of the drainage.
Along the southern ridge. I kept right at the cliff band/outcrop ahead.
Along the southern ridge. I kept right at the cliff band/outcrop ahead.
View back along the ridge.
View back along the ridge.
Class 2 as I approach the base of the cliff band.
Class 2 as I approach the base of the cliff band.
I kept to the right around the cliff band.
I kept to the right around the cliff band.
View back, the drainage I ascended out of earlier visible center.
View back, the drainage I ascended out of earlier visible center.
Along the right side of of the cliff band/outcrop, approaching a Class 3 section.
Along the right side of of the cliff band/outcrop, approaching a Class 3 section.
Class 3 set of moves to get over the cliff band.
Class 3 set of moves to get over the cliff band.
View back down, above the Class 3 set of moves.
View back down, above the Class 3 set of moves.
Class 2 to the summit.
Class 2 to the summit.
View back down the way I came.
View back down the way I came.
Entering a minor maze of boulders and cati.
Entering a minor maze of boulders and cati.
A Class 2 ramp.
A Class 2 ramp.
View back from just below the summit of North Peloncillo High Point.
View back from just below the summit of North Peloncillo High Point.
North Peloncillo High Point, close-up toward my route. I came from the left in this photo in the flat section of desert below.
North Peloncillo High Point, close-up toward my route. I came from the left in this photo in the flat section of desert below.
North Peloncillo High Point, view northwest.
North Peloncillo High Point, view northwest.

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!