Up

Vulture Peak Trail, 7 miles south of Wickenburg, AZ, is a short but steep trail that takes hikers from the base of Vulture Peak (2380') to a saddle (3420') just below the summit in only 2 miles.  From this point, experienced hikers can scramble up an extremely steep and narrow chute to the summit of Vulture Peak itself (3660').  The final ascent is not maintained and should be attempted only by experienced and well-conditioned hikers.  The trail meanders through classic Sonoran Desert landscapes, including dense stands of saguaro, ocotillo, cholla, and other cactus varieties, crosses wide desert washes, and offers dramatic scenic vistas of rugged desert mountain ranges and valleys in all directions.

After staying in this area for at least 1/2 dozen times over the years, Duane and I finally headed up the mountain.

Duane made it to just below the final push toward the saddle.  I pushed on

Just below the saddle, the trail ran around the left.

It was a tough slog for this 70-year-old with thin bones, but the view was worth it.

I knew that I wasn't up to topping the peak

Down I went.

We left the truck at 9am, and returned at 1pm--normal for us 1-2 mile-an-hour sloggers.

 Visits with friends for the next 3 days.

Louise and Duane