Copper Mountain High Point, AZ

Copper Mountain High Point has been visited by several HAZ members and is not yet written as a description. I intend to correct this, as it is a summit of some significance, and people interested in Southwestern Desert summits should not exclude it without consideration. It is 100% off-trail.


This is a pretty short hike, and parts are very steep. The GPS route or a map of the area might suffice. Here is a primer from yours truly...After following the drive to where ever you manage to park, start walking up the main canyon. Unless you passed it driving, ahead on the right side of the canyon is a low hill extending from the steep ridges. The jeep road splits and a track goes up the canyon in front of the low hill. This track only goes a very short distance before stopping. Also, if you hike up this section of the canyon, a social trail takes you towards an open and very dangerous unprotected deep mine shaft. Don't fall! This information should help you identify the correct canyon.

Once you know you are where you want to be, proceed up the rough, bouldery canyon around rocks, dry falls, and a small dam, as well. Spent ordinance is plentiful here. The further in you get, you can either ascend a gully just below the summit or hike a low saddle between the summit and the ridge to the south. If you choose the saddle, just come around to the north side and ascend from a small saddle to the north of the summit. If the dry gully, take a left and summit via the boulders.

If you miss the correct side canyon because you missed the low hill and mine shaft ( I did) and take the incorrect next canyon to the west, cross the ridge separating the two canyons and ascent via the two saddles on the south and then north sides. Being there is somewhat self-explanatory.

The granite here is frequently covered in rotted rock and can be slippery, but is overall grippy and rough. It is a great desert summit.

2019-12-24 Jim