a hike to Mazatzal Peak, the highpoint of Arizona's Mazatzal Mountains, March 31, 2012. The real reason to climb the peak is awesome 360 views of the area. Established in 1940 and expanded to its present size in 1984, its name is from an old Indian culture in Mexico and is correctly pronounced “Mah-zaht-zahl,” meaning “land of the deer.” The trail bends right and begins a gradual ascent parallel to Suicide Ridge to a shoulder and a signed junction (9.5 or 10.8 miles, 6500 ft). If you find it, fill up. A mix of trees and cactus along the trail. As I was hiking up the switchbacks through the manzanita trench on this hot June morning, I had to stop in the shade of a juniper to cool down, wondering if attempting this long of a … There is lots of elevation gain and loss in this 15 mile loop and scarce water. There is a scramble route up to the top of this peak, along with some fairly old graffiti (from 1922!). Offering expansive views throughout the heart of the Mazatzal Wilderness, this long path follows the prominent set of mountains between Mount Peeley and North Peak. To the south was more familiar. This hike circles Mazatzal Peak on the Barnhardt Trail #43, Arizona Trail (AZT) and the Y Bar Trail #44. The Mazatzal Wilderness contains over 252,500 acres of the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. For now I focused on the Y-Bar and its gradual climb. It has an accumulated gain of about 3000' over 5.5 miles, making it one of the steepest trails around. Air traffic overhead was the only reason this trip didn't score a perfect four. The Mazatzal Wilderness is pretty big and we can see some of the mountains from our home offices. Four Peaks (Yavapai: Wi:khoba) is a prominent landmark on the eastern skyline of Phoenix.Part of the Mazatzal Mountains, it is located in the Four Peaks Wilderness in the Tonto National Forest, 40 miles (64 km) east-northeast of Phoenix.In winter, Four Peaks offers much of the Phoenix metro area a view of snow-covered peaks. For those in the know, this trip would start at the Cross F trailhead in passage 22 of the Arizona Trail. Details. Rolling green hills lay in between us and the crescent shapes of Half Moon made a deal more sense from this perspective - climbing up and down those things would have been pretty tough. This trail (also known as Shake Tree) circles around and climbs the south flank of Mazatzal Peak. Need to Know Water is scarce. It climbs up to the highest trail-accessible point (over 7100!) Peeley. Turn right and descend to the base of the rugged south face of Mazatzal Peak along a somewhat overgrown path. Predawn on the Mazatzal Mountains. It is also part of the Arizona Trail, containing the entire Section #23. You should start off with enough water for your entire trip. and passes several scenic campsites and springs. With some elevation behind me I could make out Suicide Ridge of Mazatzal Peak and the general Barnhardt area. To get to North Peak, take the well defined trail towards the peak and keep your eye out for a faint trail that meanders up the top of the peak. A three-day trip around Mazatzal Peak in the Mazatzal Wilderness Area near Mesa, Ariz., serves up nearly all four reasons to grunt and pack. Be warned: Three days allows only a small sample of … Turn right onto the Mazatzal Divide Trail, as it begins a 500 foot climb up the east side of Mt. I've been wanting to investigate more of that area for a really long time, so now I had the chance. 43, Arizona Trail, as it begins a 500 foot climb up the side... Was the only reason this trip did n't score a perfect four 43, Arizona Trail ( ). 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