Date: July 10, 2025 • Elevation: 7,809 feet ✳ • Prominence: 357 feet ✳ • Distance: 5.5 miles • Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes • Gain: 1,730 feet • Conditions: Pleasant, sunny skies, warm as I descended

Arizona • Main • PB • LoJ • Lidar

Saulsbury Peak is the unofficial name of a peak rising to the west of Saulsbury Saddle, accessed by the Saulsbury Trail off of Turkey Creek Road in the western Chiricahua Mountains. There is no trail to the very top, and as a result, very few people actually climb this peak, which surprises me since it's so close to a good trail and the peak itself is very attractive.

I had a half-day open and looked at hiking this peak. It is very hot statewide these days, but with a dawn start, and starting at 6,000 feet elevation, and following a trail within a shaded canyon, I figured I could be up and down before things got too hot.

I left my home in Bisbee at 3:45 a.m., and followed the highways north and east into Turkey Creek Canyon. It was still dark when I left the pavement onto the dirt road, but the barest hint of light could be seen backlighting the range.

I drove slowly up this road, a total of about ten miles, coming to the little side track that leads to the Saulsbury Trail trailhead and parking area. By now, there was more light, enough to see my way around.

This road is rough. I got in about a quarter mile, easing through a rocky wash and up one eroded slope of loose soil and boulders. I parked in a pullout near some forest-service cabins, none of which looked occupied. A slope beyond where I parked would have been too much for the Subaru.

I got my stuff together and started hiking at 5:25 a.m.. I was in shade still, and the outside temperature was in the mid 60s. It was dry and cool, but there was no chill to the air. I knew the moment the sun's rays became visible, things would warm up 15° in a matter of minutes. But for now, it was pleasant.

The trailhead is marked by a sign mis-spelling Saulsbury as Saulsberry, some of this sign being damaged. The trail is well defined and easy to follow. It aims east and cuts across the toe of a ridge through clumpy grass and moderate forest before swinging left and now aiming northeast into Saulsbury Canyon. According to the sign, Saulsbury Saddle was 2.25 miles distant, about 1,400 feet higher.

I made very good time. The trail was in excellent shape, and I learned later that it had just been cleared by some volunteer crews within the last two months. The grade is never annoyingly steep and as a result, I could keep a steady uphill pace.

The canyon is choked in trees so that views are limited, but about a mile into the hike, the blocky dome of Saulsbury Peak comes into view. The trail itself would cross the drainage numerous times. At any point where there was some doubt, small cairns helped keep me on track. I never once got off route.

A little higher up, the views of the peak become more impressive. It features big cliffs on its south and east facing slopes. I would not tackle it this way, of course. But it was a lovely peak to view.

The last quarter-mile to the saddle was a little steep but still a great trail. I had been in shade the entire way, and the air temperature was about 70° here. It was calm and the sky was blue with no clouds. I took a brief rest, covering this stretch in a little over an hour. The insects were out, and for many, I was the highlight of their morning. Some big nasty flies would buzz me and land on me. Fortunately, I never encountered any bees.

The trails continue north down to the adjacent canyon, or east up toward the main range crest. Saulsbury Peak lies southwest of the saddle, the south tip along a small summit ridge. I was looking at about a half mile to the top.

I naively assumed enough people have been to the summit to have beaten in a path, but no such luck. I found openings in the trees and brush, but more often than not had to push through brush and branches. The trees here were some firs and a lot of oaks, plus some woody underbrush. It wasn't the worst brush ever, but I had to go slow. The ground could be very rocky at times, too.

I gained about 300 feet to place myself on the summit ridge, where the trees lessened and I had more open terrain to follow. Up ahead was a peaklet, but I knew this was not the summit. I hiked up to it and followed openings, the brush moderate and clumps of trees blocking the most direct route. One more false summit, then the real summit came into view.

I followed more openings and a hint of a path to the summit hump, the highest rocks at its south end where the slopes drop suddenly. I was at the top, the time 7:10 a.m.. I was in the sun by now and feeling its warmth, but at this early hour at 7,800 feet, it felt good, not uncomfortable at all.

The register was tucked under a large rock and partially covered in soil. It was one of Mark Nicholl's registers: a rolled-up envelope and pencil in a glass jar. The log held just four names: Mark, Bob Martin, Bob Packard, and Amy P. from 2017. It is possible that I may have been the first person on this peak since Amy. I could find no other trip reports (e.g. at HikeArizona). Most people walk right on by this peak.

I spent about ten minutes on the summit. I had a signal so I read some texts that I had got while on the climb, and had something to eat and drink. Views were expansive, looking down into and out of Turkey Creek Canyon to the west. The sun was still low enough to glare out any views to the east. Insects of all types bopped into me, landed on me and tried to get into my ear. I never saw any other wildlife, no bears, deer, bunnies or snakes.

For the hike down, I followed my route and was able to squeeze through the branches on the slopes to get back to the saddle, where I took another break. The little half-mile off-trail portion took about 45 minutes each way. I had some new scratches to pick at.

The downhill hike on the trail was truly enjoyable. It was just the right steepness all the way down, and I fast-walked the entire thing. By now, the sun was high enough to light up the canyon I was in. This allowed for some better images, but also warmed things up as expected. I was back to my car at just after 9 a.m., now very warm outside. My car's temperature gauge said it was in the low 80s already.

This was my first big hike after injuring my back a couple weeks ago. I had absolutely zero pain or negative issues on the entire hike. The only discomfort was when I sat down. Then I could feel a knot in my sacrum and buttock area. I think I have a slight case of sciatica. When I'd stand up, the ache would just disappear.

This had been a fantastic hike. The quality of the trail and that is was shaded made a huge difference. The off-trail portion wasn't bad and made me feel like I earned the summit. Views were fantastic. I was very pleased to be successful, well aware how limited options can be when Arizona is in the middle of a bad heat wave.

I drove slowly out to the highways and stopped in Elfrida for a cold drink. Sitting in my car caused my back and left butt to ache, so getting up to walk around felt good. It was hot now, pushing 100°. I was back home in Bisbee a little after 11 a.m..

I had to log on to my online class to see what they were up to, but fortunately, there were no issues. I took a shower then napped for an hour.