Hike Safford Peak (Sombrero Peak) Saguaro National Park, AZ

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Route Map

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Safford Peak stands out as you enter Tucson from the north, a peak known to some locals as Sombrero Peak. It's a pretty-looking peak from the highway, but much better en-route. The trailhead begins in Sanctuary Cove, which requests a small donation to park there. A trail leads past a rock labyrinth (if you want to add in some extra unnecessary hiking), and then starts ascending to the west. The route to the summit is a pretty clear social trail and surprisingly easy to follow except for one section, located shortly after starting the route. I included both my ascent and descent routes on my map – it just seemed like there was no one option to get to higher ground, except for a few cairns on less well-maintained trails. Perhaps the route has been obscured to prevent easy access? Anyway, the trail continues south past the less-obvious section and is easy to follow as it weaves up the east slope of Safford Peak. The trail then wraps around the south side of the peak and ascends on the west side on a Class 2 talus field. A Class 2+ move leads to the summit. You can see Panther Peak to the west, and apparently there's a nice ridgeline traverse to get there.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Safford Peak (Sombrero Peak)

3563 ft

1063 rise

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Safford Peak ahead.

Passing a labyrinth. Safford Peak top right. Getting from here to the low ridge in the center of this photo is a little difficult since the trail becomes harder to follow.

Along the social trail (after locating it again) on the low ridge mentioned previously, a shot toward Safford Peak.

Ascending Safford Peak's east slope.

Making progress on the social trai.

At the base of Safford Peak. The trail wraps around to the left.

Along the cliffs on the south/left side of Safford Peak.

Class 2 slope wrapping around to the west side.

View back as I ascend from the south to the west side, wrapping around the peak.

Class 2 to the summit of Safford Peak.

Just below the summit, a view toward Panther Peak to the west.

Safford Peak summit ahead.

Safford Peak summit, view into Tucson.

Safford Peak summit, view toward Panther Peak.

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!