On February 4th Eric Kassan, Susan Murphy, Darin Wilson, Adam Humphreys, and I hiked Bassett Peak, the high point of the Galiuro Mountains and the Galiuro Wilderness east of Tucson. Bassett Peak is the 23rd most prominent peak in Arizona with 3123 feet of prominence and 7663 feet of elevation. The weather was ideal and the hiking was fun and quite scenic.
Bassett Peak from West Ash Creek Road, north of Wilcox, Arizona
I drove from Tucson to meet the others at 8 a.m. just off Ash Creek Road on FSR 660. Eric and I loaded up the others and drove further in on FSR 660. We drove our vehicles part way along, across, and through rocky Ash Creek until it was prudent to park. Our two cars just fit parked off the road.
Upper Ash Spring
We crossed the creek on boulders and followed the Ash Creek Trail up the canyon. The trail crossed the creek a few more times and climbed through forest along Ash Creek to Upper Ash Spring. In the autumn the narrow canyon is filled with colorful leaves and this is a quite popular hike.
“Wolf Head Rock” watches from above the trail
From Upper Ash Spring the trail immediately begins switchbacking up the brushy and steep slope to the north. Low on this climb a large rock looms above the trail. It reminded me of a gigantic wolf’s head watching over those hiking the trail. I called it “Wolf Head” as it reminded me of Monkey Face, a rock tower rising high above the Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon.
A natural window above a trail switchback
Manzanita along the trail as the trail switchbacks up steep slopes
Bassett Peak from the trail near the top of the switchbacks
As we climbed higher up the slopes we found a natural window in a rock face and manzanita appeared beside the trail. Bassett Peak came into view to our south. Eventually the trail led to a rocky ridge and trail junction to the north of Bassett Peak.
Bassett Peak from the rocky ridge north of the peak
From there the Bassett Peak Trail traversed the ridge south towards the peak passing several rock towers. Snow covered much of the trail as it switchbacked across the steep north face to reach a saddle just west of the summit. Just beyond that saddle we left the trail and climbed through brush to the summit. This last climb was short and steep, but rather pleasant.
The Winchester Range and Reiley Peak from Bassett Peak
The air was clear and the views were excellent. The Winchester Range and Reiley Peak were to our southeast. We planned to climb Reiley Peak the next day, but road conditions turned us back then. We will rethink our tactics and return again for it. Dos Cabezas Peaks were visible in the distance to the left of the Winchesters. Eric and I plan to attempt Dos Cabezas Peaks in March.
The Rincon Mountains, Agua Caliente Hill, and the Santa Catalina Mountains from Bassett Peak
Looking north along the crest of the Galiuro Mountains
The Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains rose to our west. The Galiuro Mountains spread out below us to the north with Pinnacle Ridge visible in the distance beyond. Eric and I also plan to attempt Pinnacle Ridge in March.
Eric descending the snowy switchbacks high on Bassett Peak
The Galiuro Mountains are pretty with colorful rocks and mixed forest. Many other mountain ranges surround the Galiuros and it was fun to identify many past and future mountain destinations. I shared the beautiful day and views with a fun group of companions. This hike is worth repeating.
Viewing Bassett Peak from San Pedro Vista Point
The San Pedro Valley, Bassett Peak, and the Galiuro Mountains from San Pedro Vista Point
On February 7th I biked up the General Hitchcock Highway to San Pedro Vista Point. It was a very nice day and I felt like going a bit further up Mount Lemmon than I had so far this season. As I entered the forest near 7000 feet snow lined the highway, the skies were cloudy, and the air was cool. From San Pedro Vista Point I looked across the San Pedro valley towards Bassett Peak and the Galiuro Mountains, where I had hiked three days earlier.
Tucson is surrounded by mountain ranges. When you visit one range you see more to visit. This can keep you busy for many seasons chasing peaks and exploring Arizona.
Paul: I love your blog. I too am a full time traveler, and mountain hiker. I don’t do deep snow or ice or cliffs, but I love the mountain trails, and a little bushwacking. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I just attempted this hike, but was frustrated by the deep snow up on the mountain on this very wet year. There was about 3 feet of snow up there, and we turned back at about 7,000 feet on the ridge. But the views were still excellent to the east anyway, and we both had a great time. Ash creek down in the canyon was full of water with a pretty heavy flow. We crossed the stream a dozen times getting to the switchbacks on the north ridge. What camera do you use? Regards, Dan
Hi Dane. Yes, it was a wet winter and the snow has lingered longer than usual in some of the Southern Arizona mountains. I hope you enjoyed your time in Tucson and the surrounding area. I usually carry my Canon Rebel T3i with the EF-S 18-15mm kit lens. I also have a EF-S 18-135mm lens, but it is usually too heavy to carry on longer hikes/climbs. Thank you for sharing your stories on your blog.