Hike Vulture Peak Vulture Mountains BLM, AZ

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Route Map

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Vulture Peak GPX Track

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Nov 19, 2019 — 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

Vulture Peak

3660 ft

1180 rise

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Along the trail, Vulture Peak visible ahead.

Continuing toward Vulture Peak, center, along the 4X4 road to the upper trailhead.

Upper trailhead, where the trail begins.

Ascending a nice trail up Vulture Peak's west slope.

Short switchbacks through a gully up to the 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.

Ascending the Class 2+ scramble to the summit.

Toward the top of the scrambling, view south toward the saddle I came up from.

Class 2+ ending.

Vulture Peak summit, view south.

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!