Harquahala Peak

2 Reviews

Location Phoenix, AZ

Rating Moderate,

Length 10.3mi

Time 4hrs

Guide Trail #91

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types Defined

Overview

BLM National Byway that climbs to top of high Arizona peak.

A BLM National Back Country Byway, which climbs to the top of 5,681 ft. Harquahala Peak, the highest mountain in southwestern Arizona. At the top are two small parking areas with picnic tables. A short hiking trail with information kiosks goes to an old 1920s observatory. Everything is open to properly registered and plated OHVs. A few nice camp spots with picnic tables. Stay on existing roads.

Rating

Moderate

Trail Ratings Defined

Relatively easy for the first 8 miles. Last 2 miles are very steep and narrow with loose rock. May intimidate novice drivers. Four-wheel drive required. Low-range helpful.

Stats

Length

10.3mi

Time

4hrs

High Point

5,681ft

Best Time To Go

Spring/Fall

Current Conditions

(623) 580-5500Bureau of Land Management, Hassayampa Field Office

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Trail Update

05/25/2026

Submitted by Tom

My favorite trail, as it is near Phoenix and the weather is cool and breezy on the top!
Beautiful views!

I went there last on 05/25/2026

Since last year, they performed major grading and maintenance to the trail. The trail is now back to easy, at least until it erodes again! No ruts, bumps, rocks, chuckholes or slippery, crumbling surfaces. Just pretty smooth trail with many pullouts to pass. The only possible problems for somebody are steep climbs, up to 20% and steep drops on the side which could scare somebody. It takes now less than hour to get up from the staging area!

03/20/2019

Submitted by Chuck Wells

The steeper upper part of the trail has gotten more chewed up and rocky. Since a short section is paved up there, they could be doing more of that in the future. Until then, this part of the trail should be considered moderate.

Reviews

Craig W says

Drove November 7, 2020. A few rough sections near the switch backs at about the half way point, and then...See More
Andrea Elkins says

Easy climb with our stock Jeep Rubicon. Multiple switchbacks but no multi-point turns requires. The only sketchy part of the...See More

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Craig W says

Drove November 7, 2020. A few rough sections near the switch backs at about the half way point, and then the top does have its share of pretty steep and rocky areas. I think the moderate rating is spot on. Took our 2020 4Runner TRD Pro up with a ~1.5 inch lift with minimal drama. Definitely would have been less enjoyable without a low range transfer case though as parts of this are definitely steep. I highly recommend checking out the mining relics off the side road about a third of the way up. It was worth the side trip.

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Andrea Elkins says

Easy climb with our stock Jeep Rubicon. Multiple switchbacks but no multi-point turns requires. The only sketchy part of the trail is the narrowness of the trail (very few places to allow a vehicle to pass) and the lack of any guardrails. There's a sign at the entrance that 4x4 is required, which it is, but high clearance is not required. There are no obstacles aside from a couple of steep sections and loose rock. Awesome views at the top.

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