Vulture Peak in Vulture Mountains BLM, AZ

Hike Vulture Peak Vulture Mountains BLM, AZ

Class 2 4.2 miles 1400 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Nov 19, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Vulture Peak GPX Track

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The trail system leading to the base of Vulture Peak is a bit clumsy. Although there is an official trail, it's unclear in parts and seems to have multiple options. Additionally, a dirt road for 4WD vehicles can access the trailhead at the base of the peak, so this adds more human-made track to the jumble. I'd recommend parking at the lower trailhead (where I parked) if you have a less-than-optimal vehicle, and just follow the road to the base of Vulture Peak. I've included both routes in case you feel the need to hike in on a trail, like I initially wanted to do.

Anyway, once at the base of Vulture Peak, a very well-traveled trail leads on switchbacks up the west slope of the peak, and then into a gully, where more mini switchbacks continue, in place to avoid erosion. I reached a minor saddle just south of the Vulture Peak, and then continued north on some Class 2+ fun scrambling to gain the summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Vulture Peak
3660 ft
1180 rise

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Along the trail, Vulture Peak visible ahead.
Along the trail, Vulture Peak visible ahead.
Continuing toward Vulture Peak, center, along the 4X4 road to the upper trailhead.
Continuing toward Vulture Peak, center, along the 4X4 road to the upper trailhead.
Upper trailhead, where the trail begins.
Upper trailhead, where the trail begins.
Ascending a nice trail up Vulture Peak's west slope.
Ascending a nice trail up Vulture Peak's west slope.
Image 4 from gallery
Image 5 from gallery
Short switchbacks through a gully up to the saddle
Short switchbacks through a gully up to the saddle
Looking back down the way I came from Vulture Peak's southern saddle
Looking back down the way I came from Vulture Peak's southern saddle
At the saddle, looking north toward Vulture Peak. The scramble is the notch in the center of the photo.
At the saddle, looking north toward Vulture Peak. The scramble is the notch in the center of the photo.
Ascending the Class 2+ scramble to the summit.
Ascending the Class 2+ scramble to the summit.
Toward the top of the scrambling, view south toward the saddle I came up from.
Toward the top of the scrambling, view south toward the saddle I came up from.
Class 2+ ending.
Class 2+ ending.
Vulture Peak summit, view south.
Vulture Peak summit, view south.
Vulture Peak summit, view north.
Vulture Peak summit, view north.

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!