Hike Baboquivari Peak Baboquivari Peak Wilderness BLM, AZ

Nov 12, 2019 — Baboquivari Peak is one of my favorite desert peaks. The views are incredible the whole time, the scrambling is varied and interesting, and a fairly well-maintained trail leads through the otherwise pretty unforgiving Arizona desert. Plus, the peak itself is incredibly photogenic and iconic. Be aware that there's a low class 5 section that we free soloed, but bringing our rope to rappel was pretty important for the descent since down-climbing would have been a bit scary.

We drove into the tiny town called Topawa and procured free permits from the Baboquivari District Office, required to hike Baboquivari Peak. Definitely get them. We continued on a nice dirt road to the trailhead, one section particularly rocky, but probably fine for any vehicle with reasonable clearance/tires. The Baboquivari campground had surprisingly nice bathrooms and was situated in a really scenic area. The start of the Waw Giwulk Trail was hard to locate at first because a tiny sign points up a small hill to the south. Once on the trail, however, we didn't have any difficulty for the first few miles. The trail led up a bunch of switchbacks along the western ridge/slopes of Baboquivari's foothills and eventually Baboquivari Peak came into view. We could see the big ramp that allowed access to the summit, and the excitement sort of overwhelmed me. It looked really incredible.

As the trail worked up to the west ridge of Baboquivari Peak, we entered a forested section and the trail became a little bit overgrown with tall grasses. We missed a couple of switchbacks, but once we found the trail again, it was pretty obvious. Just pay active attention and you shouldn't have a problem. Along the ascent, we passed 6 pretty stern and not very happy-looking Border Patrol agents apparently searching for someone. They were probably upset that they had to walk all the way up here and not be able to summit ;)

The final quarter mile to the base of Baboquivari's ramp was a bit unpleasant due to overgrown prickly desert trees, but it was over quickly enough and we were spit out at the ramp. We opted to take the Class 3+ slab the whole way up, but the route can be made easier and less exposed by staying closer to the cliff where the remains of an old metal ladder mark some sort of historic route. Once at the top of the slab, we worked around the cliff base until we found the Class 5 dryfall. It was clear to us that it was the route as soon as we saw it. I was very happy to have a rope. We dropped our packs here, got on our gear and climbing shoes, and tried to locate any form of bolts along the route before I started to lead the route. I'd call it somewhere between 5.4-5.6, but only because of a single move. Unfortunately, this move is about 20 feet off the deck and just below the first bolt. I don't really think the bolts are trustworthy anyway, so don't count on them for safety. The good news was that as soon as I clipped into the first bolt, I noted that the rest of the route seemed pretty easy, and it was. Massive jugs on very solid rock with lots of resting ledges led to an anchor. I belayed Matt up. And then lowered him to get our hiking shoes because we forgot them. And then he climbed up again. Sigh.

After the Class 5 section, we continued along the cliff face, pulled a Class 3+ move and wrapped around the base of some cliffs. The sheer drop just next to us was guarded by ample trees so nothing felt particularly exposed. We climbed up a Class 3+ chockstone move. The going was easy from here: Class 2+ scrambling wrapping up and around the north side of Baboquivari Peak and to the summit on a steep slope. Absolutely amazing views, and in my opinion one of the best desert peaks out there. On the way back we rapped down the Class 5 section, and were very happy to have a rope.