Owl Head Buttes, AZ

Discovered this curious area while on a Backcountry off-road vehicle outing. I found it interesting enough to return and explore on foot. The Owl Head Buttes consist of six Buttes or peaks of which all beg for your interest. Bring your climbing skills and the area offers more difficult climbs for those with experience and equipment. The reward is wonderful views of Picacho Peak, The Catalina Mountains, and the suburban greater Tucson areas. The area is thick with Sonoran Desert vegetation. The only downside would be the power lines dissecting the Buttes.


There is no right or wrong way to approach this adventure. Park off the power line road near the cattle gate as you approach the Buttes. There is an old use trail going up towards the south Buttes. A steep climb takes you up to the saddle between Buttes where a little camp has been built with rocks including a fireplace. The views are awesome. For those with climbing instincts, your senses will be peaked not only by the challenges in front of you but the views of Buttes to your north. Binoculars would be a great accessory to include not only to observe wildlife but to scope out other Buttes and plan your attack. What appears to be caves are alcoves not going very deep.The Northern Buttes are all a bushwhack worthy of and for the curious.

The area I suggested to park is a strong recommendation. Although the road continues between the Buttes only the most capable of 4 x 4's should attempt. There are some washed-out areas and no opportunity to turn around.

2007-01-30 AZLOT69