"Volcano's Vengeance" 4582 foot Clifton Peak rises sharply above Clifton, Arizona. Guarded by cliffs and steep slopes covered in loose talus, this old volcano affords a fantastic view of the surrounding area. There is no trail but the best routes to the peak are likely via the northwest ridge or heading up to the saddle just east of the peak. The last couple of hundred feet of climbing to the rocky summit requires some scrambling on steep rock outcrops, but it doesn't appear technical. Plan on 2+ hours for a round trip hike. Avoid this shadeless peak in summer.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
FR / Dirt Road / Gravel - Car Okay
To hike From Safford, head east on Highway 70/191. 10 miles from Safford, the highway splits, turn left onto Highway 191 and follow it for another 23.75 miles to a highway junction known as 3-Way (old drive-in movie theater and store). Turn left to remain on Highway 191. From the 3-Way junction, head north on Highway 191 for approximately 9.4 miles to milepost 163.9, in the town of Clifton (this point is just after crossing the 2nd railroad track and before the Circle K store). At milepost 163.9, turn right onto Zorilla Street, then make an immediate left onto Frisco Avenue. Frisco Avenue crosses a bridge over the San Francisco River at 0.55 miles and becomes the San Francisco River Road (unsigned). Follow the San Francisco River Road 0.3 miles past the bridge to a large pull-off/parking area on the left, where the road bends right (0.8 miles from Highway 191). Park and head southwest up the broad ridge toward Clifton Peak.
page created by PrestonSands on Jan 20 2011 9:19 pm