Ten Ewe Mountain - KOFA, AZ

Overview
Ten Ewe Mountain is the second highest peak in the Kofa Mountains, just over half a mile east of the high point, Signal Peak. While Signal gets some regular visitation, Ten Ewe receives very little. Summiting Ten Ewe can be done on its own, but I'd recommend visiting Signal on the same trip since much of the hike follows the same route.


Hike
The start of this hike should begin by following the directions for Signal Peak. It's easiest to follow that route for 1.25 miles to 33.35997 -114.075536. At this point, you should leave the obvious route heading to Signal peak and head left toward Ten Ewe. Cross the drainage and head upstream about 200 yards and turn left again following a slabby drainage to the obvious saddle above you.Proceed up the ridge toward the canyon dropping off Ten Ewe. You'll want to stay left of the top of the rocky ridge and head for the small pinnacle with a small "cave" at its base. From the pinnacle, traverse across the drainage to the chute which climbs to the northeast. The drainage is a bit overgrown and there's a narrow squeeze at the top that requires an easy class 3 move or two.

At the top of the chute, turn right and make a couple of zig-zags to get up the various levels of rock until you arrive at the base of a small scree slope. Climb the slope and the peak will come into view. Gaining the peak will require choosing the best class 3 route, but several options exist. Enjoy the views of Summit Peak, Old Smokey, and Squaw before heading down.

On the return trip, you may be tempted to cut the corner and descend the drainage at the bottom of the chute. This route is certainly possible, but it is overgrown and includes a couple of short, easy downclimbs over large boulders. This route is more easily negotiated on the descent than on the way up. I still think it's easier and faster to avoid this drainage even though it would cut the mileage a little bit.

One additional note for the more adventurous hiker. An alternate route from the base of the pinnacle parallels the chute. (Blue route in this photo). Instead of traversing the drainage and climbing the chute (yellow route), you can ascend the drainage directly toward the mountain until it dead ends and then turn left. This route features 2-3 short climbs that might approach class-4. But it's more entertaining than the chute!

Enjoy this rarely visited gem in the rugged Kofas!

2016-04-19 chumley