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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes you to the top of Basset Peak, the highpoint of the Galiuro Mountains. The hike starts out at 5000 ft in elevation. The trail follows Ash Creek to its headwaters at the bottom of a large basin, which is marked by a lone stand of aspen trees. At this point the trail climbs up and out of the steep walled basin. Once you climbed out of the basin and on to the prominent ridgeline you will be at the intersection of the Ash Creek trail, the East Divide Trail, and Basset Peak Trail. Follow Basset Peak Trail for another mile to the summit. Trailhead: From Tucson take I-10 east to Wilcox. Take exit 340, then follow Fort Grant Road north for about 18 miles to its intersection with Ash Creek Rd. Follow Ash Creek Rd west for about 15 miles. This should place you approximatley at the intersection of Sunset Rd and Ash Creek Rd. If you are in a two wheel drive vehicle this will probably be the start of your hike. Otherwise, continue up Ash Creek Rd another 2.5 miles to the trailhead and parking location. Note that the total hiking distance for this hike is relative to the trailhead. (Lat:32.50678 Lon:-110.23358) Trail Guides for Basset Peak: Ash Creek Trail: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest, Safford Ranger District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Robert on 3/30/2008 Truly spectacular scenery in one of the most isolated mountain ranges in Arizona. While I suppose its possible to hike in 6 hours, if you want to enjoy the magnificant scenery, and explore the WW-II B-24 bomber crash, we ended up spending from 8am until 6pm on this hike. We also could not drive to the trail head in our vehicle which added 2 more miles in and out to the hike making the total distance for us of 14.8 miles. Last 200 yards to the top of the peak is not a well defined trail making some minor bushwhacking necessary. Above 7000ft still some spotty patches of snow on 29 Mar 2008.
Reviewed by Steve Tucson on 9/6/2006 This is also one of the best fall colors hikes for tree leaves in Southern AZ. There are at least six species of trees in Ash Creek Canyon that show spectacular fall colors. My private hiking group hikes it each year about half way up to the spring where we have lunch. About 5 miles round trip. First or second weekend in November is best. Early if cold; later if warmer. Global warming may be affecting this event. Steve Tucson, PhD Tucson, AZ
Reviewed by Josh on 5/14/2006 This is a great hike for wild life, we saw no other hikers the trail cannot be accessed unless you have 4 wheel drive or a truck with clearance. There is a WWII plane crash on the east end of the highest saddle before the final climb to the summit. Me and my two friends saw 3 coati(s) a black tail rattle snake (endangered species) some Jays and a huge black bear that I think was over 600 pounds. You can see the Huachucas, Mt. Grahm, the Santa Ritas, Rincons, Santa Teresas, of course the Catalinas, Mt. Lemon, the Chirachaus.......overall my favorite hike so far in Southern AZ!!!
Reviewed by AliceK on 11/10/2004 Fantastic Fall colors. Red,Orange,Yellow, patches of snow.Incredible.
Reviewed by ff on 5/20/2004 This is a great "fall color" hike. The Ash Creek drainage has many deciduous trees. Schedule an early November hike, but if October is warmer than usual, delay the hike for 1-3 weeks. The first three-mile leg of the hike follows the drainage to Ash Spring and has red (maple), orange (oak) and, at Ash Spring, yellow (aspen) foliage. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Graham County Hiking, Graham County Trails, Graham County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
