On Thursday, March 27, Linda and I found a somewhat secluded campsite off Darby Spring Road south of the town of Ajo, Arizona. Here we spend the next three nights with our dogs. I hiked my second peak, Peak 2976, on Saturday. Meanwhile, Linda explored the Sonoran Desert near our camp on her mountain bike with our dogs.

Peak 2976 is one of many steep peaks in the Little Ajo Range west of Ajo. This peak in particular has 1116 feet of topographic prominence, which draws the attention of Arizona peakbaggers. But, as far as I know, no one has suggested a better name for this rugged little peak.

To reach the peak, I first drove BLM gravel roads from Ajo, then parked at a pullout below a locked gate. This is also where Wade Luther had parked on his earlier ascent. It was not obvious to me which point on the rocky ridge above me was my destination. But I had Wade’s climbing track and planned to follow it – I like his routefinding judgement.

The climbing route led me through a narrow little canyon, then over a low saddle. From there I could see the northwest ridge that led high onto the north ridge of Peak 2976. Soon I began climbing up the steep terminus of this ridge on sometimes loose footing.

Higher on the ridge I climbed around and over rocks along the ridge crest with firmer footing. As I climbed higher I began to better understand the shape of the ridges and peaks around me. My topo map had 20-foot contour intervals. In this range there were so many contour lines displayed it was hard to visualize the shape of the range from the map alone.

Eventually the northwest ridge topped out and led me onto the north ridge. Here I found the trail I expected would lead me higher on the ridge.

The trail was helpful as it traversed around and through rocky sections.

Shortly before arriving at the summit I paused to admire ocotillo blossoms. Then I continued on the trail to the summit.

It was a warm day with somewhat hazy views. I noted Black Mountain to the southeast and the approximate location of our campsite. Linda was out bike riding and had texted me some photos. I hoped all was well with her and the dogs.

I enjoyed identifying the many peaks and ranges I have visited over several years. I was pleased to see the distinctive shape of Kino Peak far in the distance. But Gro Benchmark, the high point of the Growler Mountains, taunted me to the SSW.

After my lunch it was time to return to camp. I descended the trail down the north ridge, then left the trail to descend the NW Ridge. The rocky spine of the ridge was pleasant to descend, but I needed to be cautious on the loose lower slopes.

My Jeep was toasty in the sunshine. With a short drive I was back in Ajo and I stopped for a cold fountain drink. I returned to our camp to find Linda and the dogs had returned, with rehydrated and tired dogs napping in the shade.