Savahia Peak in Whipple Mountains BLM, CA

Hike Savahia Peak Whipple Mountains BLM, CA

Class 2 2.1 miles 1300 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Nov 19, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Savahia Peak GPX Track

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Savahia Peak is a big hunk of dark volcanic rock on the west side of the Whipple Mountains. It's a bit set apart from other peaks in the area, but despite its relatively small stature its a great little peak. To reach the trailhead, leave CA-62 here and head north (34.19729, -114.50578), then after 0.2 miles make a left here (34.19924, -114.5059) and parallel an aqueduct as it heads west. Veer right here to go over the aqueduct (34.19855, -114.51443) and continue west. Head north here (34.1986, -114.52903) and follow Independence Mine Road to the trailhead. There was one spot where the road isn't clear here (34.2624, -114.54686), but just keep heading north and it'll be obvious again.

We set out along an eroded road and left shortly after to gain the west slope of Savahia Peak. The boulder-strewn slope quickly became more steep as we ascended toward the major drainage just south of the summit. I recommend initially sticking to the left (north) side of the drainage. The drainage itself is choked with big boulders and some brush, and the south side seems to be more loose. After ascending along the north side for a bit, we started noticing the terrain would soon become more cliffy, so we ultimately made our way to the south side. The terrain never exceeded Class 2, but it was steep and at times I found myself using larger boulders to pull myself up the somewhat loose terrain. It wasn't by any means unpleasant, just rocky. Fortunately the hike is short and reaching the top of the drainage wasn't a particularly daunting task. The top of the drainage offered some great views to the east, highlighted by the sunset.

We started north to gain the summit. The ridgeline is Class 3/4, but keeping just left of it follows wide Class 2 ledges that progressively ascend to just below the summit block. The drop is significant, but I never felt exposed at any point. A short slope led to a Class 2/2+ summit block. We returned the same way, a more difficult task now that it was dark.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Savahia Peak
2695 ft
895 rise

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We followed an old road for a short time and then ascended into the hills to the east. Savahia Peak visible center.
We followed an old road for a short time and then ascended into the hills to the east. Savahia Peak visible center.
Rocky terrain. Our goal is the gully in the center.
Rocky terrain. Our goal is the gully in the center.
Entering the gully. Initially we kept to the left, then when the cliffs became a deterrent, we passed over the gully to get to the right side.
Entering the gully. Initially we kept to the left, then when the cliffs became a deterrent, we passed over the gully to get to the right side.
Quite a bit of Class 2, and pretty steep.
Quite a bit of Class 2, and pretty steep.
View back, the car is somewhere in the center.
View back, the car is somewhere in the center.
More progress, just a lot of relatively fun boulder-hopping up the steep slope.
More progress, just a lot of relatively fun boulder-hopping up the steep slope.
Another shot back as the light became brilliant.
Another shot back as the light became brilliant.
Close-up of our progress up the gully.
Close-up of our progress up the gully.
At the notch above the gully, view back.
At the notch above the gully, view back.
Still at the notch, view toward the ascent ridge. Keeping to the ridge is Class 3/4, while using the pleasant ledge system in the center of this photo meant Class 2.
Still at the notch, view toward the ascent ridge. Keeping to the ridge is Class 3/4, while using the pleasant ledge system in the center of this photo meant Class 2.
Along the ledges.
Along the ledges.
View back to the notch (center), and the gully we came up (bottom right).
View back to the notch (center), and the gully we came up (bottom right).
More ledge system fun. The summit will become visible just around the corner.
More ledge system fun. The summit will become visible just around the corner.
Savahia Peak summit ahead, a short slope away.
Savahia Peak summit ahead, a short slope away.
Savahia Peak summit block, Class 2+.
Savahia Peak summit block, Class 2+.
Savahia Peak summit, view back south along the ridge.
Savahia Peak summit, view back south along the ridge.
Whipple Mountains High Point visible to the east.
Whipple Mountains High Point visible to the east.
Close-up of Avery posing on a false summit.
Close-up of Avery posing on a false summit.

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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!