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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason Bowman on 11/22/2006 Once you get to the top of the ridge NW of the chapel you are on a heavily used horse trail, which is easy to follow (if there is a fork, take the one that heads toward the mountain). Just above the 2900ft mark you will be on a saddle of sorts near the large cliff face. At this point the main trail continues directly toward the cliff but you want to take a lesser used fork to the left (marked by cairns). Follow this path up and around the south side of the peak and then it will turn and go strait up toward the summit. The last segment is sketchy but the view from the top is amazing. The entire hike (including 10mins at the top) took me 2 hours exactly 
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/25/2006 This is better than Sabino Canyon Hike. Great exercise, uphill, stay on trail, it can get confusing, begins with hike ends up mountain climbing. Don't forget to sign in once you get to the top! Enjoy.
Reviewed by brandon on 4/27/2006 good exercise,great views and wildlife
Reviewed by John on 4/11/2006 Two routes up, one that is very dangerous, steep, and sort of death defying that is the shortest way up. The easier way is around the south side, coming up the west flank. What a hike! Spectacular views and no one is ever up there. Perhaps the best 360 degree view. Peace Out!
Reviewed by GuySmiley on 5/11/2004 The easiest way is to go down the NPS trail at the end of Scenic Drive. About a half mile down there is a gap in the fence and trail running up to the east face of the peak. Take it all the way up, then the trail skirts around and through the sheer rock on the south side. Look for cairns all the way, it is fairly well marked. Don't miss the trail register at the summit! 
Reviewed by Alan on 3/9/2004 It took 2:45 to complete this hike which included a 30 minute detour up a draw on the northeast side just east of the rock wall. Make sure to travel around the east side and approach the summit from the south and finally the west. Follow the rock cairns. Be prepared for some rock climbing near the summit. A challenging hike.
Reviewed by JCF on 2/16/2004 The trails are not marked well. It took four hours to hike this DIFFICULT, not moderate, trail. Two guys, who have hiked this before, also lost the trail a few times. It took them more than your 2 1/2 hour time. Towards the end, you are rock/mountain climbing and are no longer hiking a trail. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||