Stewart Mountain, AZ

On what would likely be the last cool day until autumn, I decided to enjoy it. This mountain had been in thought for some time. With a quick look at a map, I decided the major ravine on the east was the route I'd attempt. I parked right where the ravine crosses Bush Highway. I hiked down in and out of the ravine with the intent to follow the south side. Within minutes I approached a dirt road. So much for off-trail hiking. I followed the road a short distance, then headed straight to my destination. The desert is easy to negotiate. Boots are necessary, but pants are not. It seemed like I was hiking to the mountain, but I had views of Saguaro lake before I knew it.


It gets a little steep going up, but nothing more difficult than Camelback or Piestewa Peak. The mountain has three peaks with a high valley in the middle. After hiking up about 760 feet, I entered the valley. Less than a quarter-mile through the valley, I headed up the western peak another 370 ft.From the top, there's a good view of a significant portion of Saguaro Lake to the southeast. Red Mountain is west-southwest. At over seven miles away, I wouldn't consider it a great view. The Goldfield Mountains make up the near southern view with some high cliffs.

On the return trip, I headed straight down the ravine. The going is slow with some large boulders.

2006-04-27 joebartels