Date: February 20, 2025 • Elevation: 3,047 feet • Prominence: 407 feet • Distance: 3.5 miles • Time: 2 hours • Gain: 770 feet • Conditions: Sunny and clear

Arizona • Main • PB • LoJ

This hill rises a little east of the community of New River, about 35 miles north of Phoenix. Most of the hill is in unincorporated Maricopa County, while the summit lies barely inside Cave Creek corporate limits. For reference, it rises west of Elephant Mountain, north of Apache Peak and south of the Cline Creek Peaks. It was of primary interest to me because it was one I had yet to hike, while having hiked all the surrounding peaks.

I had the morning open, so I drove here, dealing with the usual morning traffic through Phoenix. I exited onto the Carefree Highway, then north up 7th Street into New River. I then followed Circle Mountain Road east a couple miles. The peak rises immediately behind the homes to the east. I got onto 20th Street north, then passed through an opening in the fence marking the Tonto National Forest boundary. I parked in a clearing just yards inside the fence.

It was about 8:30 a.m. when I rolled in, the only car here for now. The day was sunny with some high clouds, and pleasant temperatures in the high 50s for now. I have been here one other time, when I climbed the eastern Cline Creek Peak mentioned above a couple years ago. I recall the road past the parking area being very rocky and rough. Unfortunately, nothing had changed. I had hoped to drive in a little farther and cut off some walking distance.

I was soon on the move, walking the road downhill briefly, then east alongside Cline Creek itself. About ten minutes later, I came to a clearing with a large plastic water tank. The road continues to the left, but I went right, now aiming for the mountain itself.

The mountain is a long ridge with gentle slopes to the east and west, and slightly-steep slopes to the north, the way I was approaching it. The highpoint lies on the far east tip of the ridge, and I really couldn't see it from down low.

I followed game paths and openings and dropped into the creekbed, following it a ways before heading uphill into the grass and low trees. No one way looked best, so I picked a line and started uphill.

This portion wasn't too bad. It was steep but stable and never a problem. The main challenge was the high grass and heavy brush. It was cool for now, but a stray snake may be out so I was mindful of that. I soon topped out on the upper ridge.

I had achieved the ridge at about its halfway point, but had no idea until I walked a little and could see the highpoint off in the distance, about a half mile away. The brush wasn't so thick up here. I followed game trails and open terrain, plus rock-hopped, making steady progress toward the goal.

Toward the top, the rocks became more abundant, and as usual, whatever convenient opening I found had a palo verde or cactus growing in it. The grade was never steep. However, it seemed to never end. I'd get up one bit, thinking the top must be close by, only to see another hundred feet to go. But soon, I was at the top.

The summit features a cairn on top of a large rock. I found the register therein and signed it. Most signatures were from bow hunters, as they made it a point to mention that. The peak sees some regular visitation, a few groups a year. I would expect some locals down below walk it up for exercise.

The views were excellent, with the big cliff faces of the New River Mountains across the valley, and multitudes of peaks and hills in all directions. Lighting was good for images and I took a few. I spent about ten minutes up top, relaxing and having a snack. It had taken me an hour to get here. For an anonymous peak surrounded by bigger sexier peaks, it's not a bad peak at all, and I enjoyed the hike.

Going down, I went west down the main ridge, then dropped early down off the north slopes, figuring it made no difference. It was steep and loose. I followed game trails and probably a couple hunter trails too. I just went slow and carefully, finally dropping into the creek and then back up onto the banks and back to that water tank clearing.

The final walk out took just minutes, and my round trip was almost exactly two hours, covering 3.5 miles. Back at the tiny lot, another Subaru had rolled in. Its occupants were hiking across the way as I could see them. I changed into more comfortable clothes and drove back into the Phoenix borg to assimilate, getting my head right for more calculus tonight.

This peak was largely chosen for its convenience and my own desire to "fill in" a blank area on my completion map. It could be combined with some peaks in the area like the eastern Cline Creek Peak. The area is notable for Indian ruins on many of the summits, but this peak did not have any such ruins. Still, I had fun.