Baboquivari Peak

4-Nov-68

By: Steve Smith

This prominent Arizona peak is well worth a trip from California to climb. About 3 times as prominent as Castle Dome, the summit sits over 1,000 feet above the ridge and is an impressive sight. Easy access through the Papago Indian Reservation and a trail which was built during 1941 leading to a fire lookout on the summit are helpful. The trail is in good condition, but steep, gaining 4,000 feet in three miles. Unfortunately, near the summit there are two steep pitches where wooden ladders which once made it simple to climb have rotted away. The second pitch is a dangerous exposure requiring a rope. I would suggest changing this peak from Class 3 to 4 so that climbers will be prepared. After the final rock pitch, thick brush is encountered but the summit is quickly made. The old wood cabin still stands, offering a good view of southern Arizona and Mexico. Several local climbers who had climbed ahead of me were prepared with a rope (having been stopped during their first try by not having a rope) and belayed me down as several National Guard F-l02's buzzed us.