Ward Peak 9570 - Chiricahua Wilderness, AZ

Overview
Ward Peak (elevation of 9,570' with 320' of prominence) is one of several 9,000' or higher peaks that you can access from Crest Trail #270 along the Chiricahua Mountains Ridgeline.


Note
For this guide, the hike begins on the Crest Trail at Round Park (31.86871,-109.28502). This is near the point on the Crest Trail where it intersects Fly Peak Trail #337 on the south from Flys Peak, and where Bear Wallow Trail #333 heads northeast.Hike
From Round Park, you will head south-southeast up to Ward Peak (31.86517, -109.28759). The hike is off-trail up to the summit, and you'll need to pick a route through vegetation (mostly small aspen trees that are quite thick in places) and deadfall. It is not the easiest off-trail hike, but it is certainly not the worst. With a little perseverance, most hikers can successfully ascend the summit. There are quite a few trees at the summit, which limit the views. Nonetheless, there are good views of Chiricahua Peak. On the descent, you can either go back the way that you came up, or if you want to hike toward Chiricahua Peak, you can head south and hit the Crest Trail going toward Chiricahua Peak. Less vegetation and deadfall to deal with make the descent on the south side easier.

Synopsis
If you are looking to bag some peaks in the Chiricahua Wilderness, this peak is a good one to tackle, particularly if you are already hiking up to either Flys Peak or Chiricahua Peak.

2020-06-18 DixieFlyer