Route Editor
Route Scout
Class III “Bushwhack” by AZ_Step  Brinkley Point. First off, this is not a beginner’s hike. Although in the beginning it may seem that way. I would consider it a Class III “Bushwhack” (long pants, gloves, hat, boots, map, compass/GPS and over a mile of cross-country trail finding, very steep in some spots) (ropes are not required.. that would be a class IV Bushwhack). The trail from Box Camp trail head to the turn off for Box Springs it’s nice and easy to follow. Just after the turn off to Box Springs the trail starts to become over grown, it’s not hard to follow, but the vegetation is over running the trail in quite a few places and there are several downed trees that need to be crossed. At the saddle the trail forks, you can’t see the fork but it’s there. If you continue following the trail west you will go to Box Springs. The trail to Brinkley Point follows the ridge line to the south. If you can’t find the trail just follow the ridge line. For the next mile or so to Brinkley Point the trail is virtually non-existent. Having a map and compass is a must on this part. I also used the “HAZ Tracks” program to keep me going in the right direction. (Thanks Guys). Trees are down and bushes cover the trail. So follow the ridge line and keep an eye out for small sections of trail (about 10 to 20 feet in length) that are in relatively good conditions that appear out of nowhere and vanish into thick brush just as quickly, only to reappear 30 to 50 yards down the ridge. Periodically you should see rock cairns marking the route, I’m not sure if they are following the trail or just marking a general route. Another helpful hint to look for is old trees or stumps that have been sawed off or cut back. From the looks of the trail (or parts of it) I would say that it was a well maintained trail 20+ years ago. At one point the trail goes down a steep ridge/slope to the west. The good thing about it, is that it’s short. Make sure to keep an eye on the ridge line your following, it’s easy to get off track in the thick brush. The last quarter mile to the Point is fairly easy and has great views in all directions. At the point there is a US Geological Survey Marker (Elevation 7073 ft) and a Trail Registry in a glass jar. You can see Thimble Peak to the south, Cathedral of Rock to the south-west and Lemmon look out to the north. And off in the far distance you can see Baboquivari Peak in the south-west. At one time this would have been a nice easy trail and a good place to have lunch. It would be nice if the forest service brought it back. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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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.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Brinkley Point
The first ~2 miles of this hike was a pretty solid trail with no bushwhacking at all. After that, the route was a little difficult to follow but there weren't many obstacles to overcome. A good portion of the hike is in a wooded forest area where there were pink ribbons every 100 feet or so tied to trees. These ribbons made it fairly easy to follow. The views at the route's end were incredible. From the peak, on a nearby rock formation, we saw a pack of 10-12 coatimundi, which looked like large raccoons with a long tail. They scattered once they heard us. About 1/3 of the way back to the trailhead, my friend and I were in the woods and lost the trail. Somewhere in this area, we BOTH heard a strange voice that sounded like a woman. There was nobody else around and it was getting dark. I'm not sure if I've ever encountered a ghost in my lifetime, but after this day, I really believe there's a GOOD chance it was a ghost that we heard. Anyway, my friend and I both heard a distinct but very faint "hello. hello." that sounded like a woman's voice not far from a cliff area. We thought about it and could not imagine there were any other hikers near us at that time. We remembered seeing some sort of memorial plaques on a large overlook rock nearby the cliff area. The plaques were for a Father and Daughter who had died years ago, but it was not clear to us what really happened there. If there is a lost soul out there somewhere, we hope that she finds her way to wherever she is supposed to be. Is it possible that someone else has experienced something similar on this hike??? I'll never forget this experience. All in all it was a beautiful hike with amazing views, and November was a great time to hike it, although it did get a bit chilly after dark.
2016-11-13 mike85741
Brinkley Point
Love the little ridge that juts out from the main ridge towards Sabino Canyon and Brinkley is a great viewpoint - didn't find a single solid trail, but there are some sections that seem like trail and with some smart diversions there is great walking along the ridge.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/sets/72157640432071453/
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/sets/72157640432071453/
2014-01-30 camiles
Brinkley Point
First time doing this hike and I think the descriptions I read/heard down played how awesome it is - the views - both from the ridge and the point - were AMAZING and not to be missed! Glad we went - pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/sets/72157629918069138/.
2012-06-04 camiles
Brinkley Point
jeff did everything in his power to avoid doing this hike with us, but we drug him kicking and screaming into the mountains anyway. 
finally made due on long standing plans to hike out to brinkley point. it was worth the wait...one of the truly special places in the catalinas
finally made due on long standing plans to hike out to brinkley point. it was worth the wait...one of the truly special places in the catalinas
2011-04-30 fricknaley
