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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a fun summit hike that begins at a little known spiritual nook and climaxes with stunning 360 Degree views of the city's northwest basin. The trail begins at the stone church just west of the parking lot. From there hike North of west until you pass through a wildlife barrirer. From there the trail begins to accend the peak to your left. The trail forks often, but the key to bagging this summit is to always fork left unless it looks harder to the right. Trailhead: From Speedway and Campbell, drive west on Speedway to the I-10 Frontage Road. Turn right (north) on Frontage Rd. During I-10 construction follow Frontage Rd. 3.5 miles north to the I-10 on ramp. Follow I-10 W 6.6 miles to the Cortaro Rd exit; you should exit. Turn left on W Cortaro Farms Rd. Follow until it intersects with Silverbell Rd, turn right. Follow Silver Bell Rd 0.5 miles to West Continental Reserve Loop, turn left. Follow West Continental Reserve Loop 0.5 miles to W Pima Farms Rd, turn right. Follow W Pima Farms Rd to N Scenic Dr, turn left. Follow N Scenic Dr for 0.4 miles to the entrance of Sanctuary Cove. (Lat:32.20741 Lon:-111.09113) Trail Guides for Safford Peak: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Caretaker: Annie Bunker (520) 744-2375 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeff Branscum, who has posted 12 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Matt on 12/17/2008 The hike from the trail head indicated above provides a good starting point. My out and back time was a little over 1 hour 50 min. Some words of advice: follow the well established trail at the rear of the chapel. Use the signs pointing out various flora as markers, proceed up the hill side (heading slightly to the right of the sheer mountain face) in a NE direction. Near the crest of the hill, there is an intersecting trail. Turn left and follow this trail up and around the ridge line. The sheer face will be to your one o- clock. The trail branches to your right as you gain elevation and the sheer face drops out of sight. Follow the apron closely around to the SW side of the mountain. New cairns were added to mark final approach. 
Reviewed by jOHN on 3/29/2008 The directions have been updated, I see.
Reviewed by Christopher on 3/23/2008 DIRECTIONS ARE WRONG! They have changed the name of the streets, so that you take a left on the Continental Reserve Loop, not Coachline. Also figured out you don't have to go over the "ridge of death", you can pass to the left side going up! 
Reviewed by Robert on 2/29/2008 The final approach, and the "ridge of death" made this a hike that at my age of 64 was more risky than I like, but the fantastic view was worth it. I especially liked that even though development on the east side has spread almost to Sanctuary Cove we had the peak all to ourselves on a weekend. Also loved seeing the crystals lying around the old mine shaft entrances, and the beautiful desert canyon we explored at the base of the peak on the south side.
Reviewed by Sarah and John on 11/13/2007 Wow- what great views! However, we got lost several times as the trail is challenging to follow. The last 1/8th mile to the top of the summit is not for the faint of heart. Coming back down we bush-wacked most of the way back to the main horsetrail and inadvertently added another 45 minutes or so. Still, the views are worth it and it was a great workout.
Reviewed by Lucy on 2/1/2007 Great exercise, loved climbing the boulders on the South side but missed the trail on the way back down. Recommend you leave a flag at the trail - rock slide boundary so you can find the trail on the way out!
Reviewed by Osman on 12/24/2006 Great hike / climb to a beautiful view. Highly recommended, and easirer than Pusch Peak. The coordinate thing is a formatting issue. Here are a set in DD MM.mmm format: 32 21.206 N -111 08.585 W SAF THD 32 21.271 N -111 08.803 W SAF 2 32 20.850 N -111 08.739 W SAF 3 32 20.850 N -111 08.919 W SAF 4 32 20.656 N -111 09.044 W SAF 5 32 20.718 N -111 09.024 W SAFFORD PK
Reviewed by Osman on 12/23/2006 Your coordinates seem wrong. I am going there today - I will confirm. Be Cautious of: (Lat:32.20741 Lon:-111.09113) I think they should be: 32.3534, -111.1431 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, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||