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All by yourself by Davis2001r6  Overview If you looking for a remote off trail climb then this is your peak. Warning Just like it says above, this is a remote peak that not very many people summit. There is no trail to the top, it's all off trail and up to you to pick your own lines. This isn't a hike you will want to do in the warmer months. Getting to the trailhead This is half the fun for the hike, the road begins just outside the town of Wenden, AZ. You follow some farming canals part of the way then make your way to the dirt road that leads up the mountain. Highclearance is absolutely necassary, 4x4 if it's muddy as well as making it on the upper portions of the road. There is a large wash to cross about 1.5 miles from the actual trail head near the Doland Mine Site. Expect to get a good amount of Arizona pinstripping on the way there. The road is rocky and overgrown. We got a flat when we made it to the trail head, I was glad to have a fullsize spare and a highlift jack to make quick work of changing the tire. Look at my GPS route for directions to the trail head. Hike If you made it past the wash and start seeing tin cans along the road your about ready to hike. The easiest and most direct way to climb the mountain is via the Southeast Ridge. It's steep and has some scree in places but isn't very technical. Class 3 at the most in a few spots. There is plenty of cactus and catsclaw to dodge along the way. I would recommend wearing pants. The route is pretty obvious and just continue up the ridge until you reach a ridge that you can continue west towards the summit. We choose to head down the east ridge which took a lot longer and was a pretty good bushwack in places. We did get to see the remains of the Doland Mine taking this route though. There is one open shaft that goes a long way down judging from the rock we threw down it. Water Sources Bring your own, we didn't see a drop of water along the route anywhere. Camping We did camp near the end of the road a 1/2 mile below the mine, you could tell it was once the miners camp judging from the hundreds of tin cans everywhere. I would recommend camping at the large wash on the road in, there is a nice level area and a fire ring there. Cell Phone Signal We did have a signal at the TH as well as on top the mountain. At the trailhead mine cut out a few times. 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
Harcuvar Peak
The name Harcuvar is a Mohave name implying 'there is little sweet water'.
Well, even after all our recent precipitation, the Harcuvar Mountains are very dry.
The drive route I used was on very primitive roads, and whatever rains fell out there must have been absorbed completely, as I drove through a totally dry desert. All the washes were totally dry also.
The Harcuvar Peak hike was alot of fun, with some nice payoffs. One payoff being a nice ridgeline up top, once you get the climb out of the way. Another rather 'novel' payoff was the location of the benchmark.
The surveyors placed the benchmark on what I would call a Tom's Thumb 'Wanna-Be' Bump.
The huge cairn the surveyors placed on the 'Wanna-Be' bump was another touch of 'visual novelty'.
From the mining road to the ridgeline, the ridge I chose to go up, (and an adjacent ridge I chose to go down), were straight forward.
They both covered about 1,900 feet of AEG in seven tenths of a mile, and varied from not too steep in places, to very steep in others. Vegetation and boulders are all over the place, but all are avoidable while going up & down.
There is scree, but I had no problem with it going up, but coming down was very slow in the various scree patches. Finding sturdy boulders to hold onto helped on the descent, through those scree patches.
If a hiker wants to make a lasso loop, and also negate the steep climb, they can go up the little canyon to its end, gain the main ridge there (at a much lower elevation), and follow it up (and around) to the high point. Dropping straight down one of the ridges I used would make the lasso. It would increase the distance, but avoid the 'up' steepness.
The summit log verified that Harcuvar Peak isn't a destination for many. It's remoteness, and the difficulties of choosing a correct drive track probably deter many hikers.
That's too bad, as the mountain is alot of fun.
Well, even after all our recent precipitation, the Harcuvar Mountains are very dry.
The drive route I used was on very primitive roads, and whatever rains fell out there must have been absorbed completely, as I drove through a totally dry desert. All the washes were totally dry also.
The Harcuvar Peak hike was alot of fun, with some nice payoffs. One payoff being a nice ridgeline up top, once you get the climb out of the way. Another rather 'novel' payoff was the location of the benchmark.
The surveyors placed the benchmark on what I would call a Tom's Thumb 'Wanna-Be' Bump.
The huge cairn the surveyors placed on the 'Wanna-Be' bump was another touch of 'visual novelty'.
From the mining road to the ridgeline, the ridge I chose to go up, (and an adjacent ridge I chose to go down), were straight forward.
They both covered about 1,900 feet of AEG in seven tenths of a mile, and varied from not too steep in places, to very steep in others. Vegetation and boulders are all over the place, but all are avoidable while going up & down.
There is scree, but I had no problem with it going up, but coming down was very slow in the various scree patches. Finding sturdy boulders to hold onto helped on the descent, through those scree patches.
If a hiker wants to make a lasso loop, and also negate the steep climb, they can go up the little canyon to its end, gain the main ridge there (at a much lower elevation), and follow it up (and around) to the high point. Dropping straight down one of the ridges I used would make the lasso. It would increase the distance, but avoid the 'up' steepness.
The summit log verified that Harcuvar Peak isn't a destination for many. It's remoteness, and the difficulties of choosing a correct drive track probably deter many hikers.
That's too bad, as the mountain is alot of fun.
2019-03-09 FLYING_FLIVER
Harcuvar Peak
WOW! What a day, what a hike, what a mountain. Thought I would give Harcuvar a try and from a different approach than what Tim and Scott had done. I took the SW approach driving in towards the Cottonwood Pass where I would stay the night and start the hike the next day. The drive in is not too bad until the final half mile which is rocky, narrow, and bushy. Added some more AZ pinstripes on the Jeep. Started the hike by an old mine camp at 2600' with Harcuvar Peak out of sight where I found the "Love Shack" geocache. From there I got up on the ridge and headed towards Harcuvar Peak. Spotted 4 bighorn sheep making their way across the ridge above me and by the time I got to where I had spotted them in hopes of getting a picture they were long gone. Guess they didn't like my bell. Once up on the ridge and Harcuvar now in sight I found giant cairns along the way. The ridge is pretty straight forward, steep in several sections and the occasional cats claw and cholla dodge make it epic. She looks down at you the entire time and just when you think you haven't gained anything and are not close to the top, BAM, the summit was right there with the giant cairn letting you know you have arrived. The views are incredible. You can see everything in every direction and might be some of the best views you will have in AZ. I loved seeing the tip of Big Horn Peak just making its way above the lower end of the Harquahalas. Not many venture up here which makes it very rewarding. I spent almost an hour up top not wanting to leave. Going back down the ridge was fun and in some places had to scree surf. No injuries and a great mountain off the list. I'm still pumped about this one. The drive out wasn't as bad as I was expecting and the area around Wenden is a great spot to get some mud. What a great way to celebrate AZ's Birthday. 
2010-02-14 desert_boonie
