On day 3 of my daughter's softball camp in Phoenix, I was going for Picketpost Mountain. There was only one problem though, I had to be back in Mesa by 1:30pm no matter what. With a 4.3 mile hike and 2000 feet of gain and a 40 minute drive each way, that meant I had to be perfect on my hike and driving. Of course a sane person would simply pick a closer peak, but Picketpost Mountain stood out to me ever since I set eyes on it in the guide book... I had to do it!

So I dropped Lexie off at the fields and was off at 9:10. The drive took exactly 40 minutes and I was on the trail and hiking at 9:50. To keep my schedule, I wanted to gain the first 1000 feet in 40 minutes, have a 5 minute break, then finish the final 1000 feet in the next 45 minutes. Then descend in 90 minutes to finish in 3 hours.

The day was gorgeous, brilliant blue skies and I was in stereotypical Arizona desert environment. There were desert washes, cactus of all sorts, mesquite, and large rocky mesas. It was a great day.

This peak was advertised as having a trail to the top. However, the guide book mentioned some challenging moves. Looking up at the mountain and the way the trail headed, I could tell things were going to get challenging.

At first the trail followed a dry creek bed. It then turned and headed toward the peak. The peak from this side has a large notch in it and the trail headed right up the middle, between two large rock cliffs. At first the trail up to the notch was just steep, but with good tread. Then the trail climbed straight up some class 3 rock. It was fun scrambling and I was gaining elevation fast. The trail then cut across a narrow ledge and entered the gully between the cliffs. Keeping the path was a challenge and I always knew when I was off route because the terrain got beyond my abilities. However, only one move in this section bothered me, but I was able to squirm up it. This move also correlated with my first break. I was right on track, having gained 1000 feet in 40 minutes.

After that break, the terrain remained somewhat challenging. There were boulders to go over, smooth bedrock creek beds to ascend, and a few more ledges to traverse. It was fun, kept my elevation gain going fast, but honestly a bit nerving at times too (especially with things a bit wet from the previous day's rain). I finally got out of the gully and was on a more convential trail again.

After leaving the notch altogether, the trail headed through brush and flat rock to a small bump on an otherwise flat mesa. This was the summit. The summit contained an old, metal mailbox. Inside the mailbox were 2 large summit registers. I spoke with 2 guys on the summit, signed the register, and took in the splendid views. It was very clear. To the west was the Phoenix metro area, where you could see the sky scrapers and individual peaks like Piestewa and Camelback... all despite being over 60 miles away! To the north were the Superstitions, Four Peaks, and way to the north, some snow covered mountains I assume to be around Flagstaff. To the east, was the town of Superior and more rocky, pointy peaks. To the south was some larger mountains. The day was perfect. However, to maintain my schedule, I needed to be down within 3 hours. I had made it to the summit in 90 minutes, so I was on pace, but I knew the descent of the gully would be slow on the way out.

Down I headed. Making great time to the entrance to the gully. The bedrock section was less challenging on the way down, mostly because I found some cement steps someone had created. I also could see cairns and paint marks on the way down easier. Before I knew it I was to the crux move. I basically slid down it on my butt and used my left leg as friction on a rock to the side of the smooth rock I was on to slow me down. This technique worked well and I was on my way. After the exposed ledges, I finally hit good trail and made great time. When I finally realized I was on pace, I relaxed and shot some photos and enjoyed the sunny weather.

What a great day and a great peak. I made it back to the trailhead in 2 hours and 55 minutes. I headed back to Mesa in a great mood with the windows down and soaking in the warm temps. When I got back (at 1:30), I watched the end of the softball camp. Despite girls at the camp from California, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Colorado, and elsewhere, Lexie won the Offensive Star award for the camp. So she had a great few days as well.

Get onto US-60. Just past mile marker 221, turn left onto NF-231 (there is a sign for Picketpost TH). Follow this for .4 miles, then turn left onto NF-310 (also signed). Follow this road .8 miles to the developed trailhead.

Follow the old jeep road .4 miles from the trailhead. Turn left at the cairns on the Picketpost Trail. Follow this well defined trail to the gully. In the gully, follow cairns and paint markings to the upper gully. In the upper part of the gully the trail is more defined again, follow it to the summit.