HikeArizona.COM

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum and thought I would give it a try . Going to Brown Peak this weekend and was wondering how you all would compare the endurance level between Sqaw Peak and Brown Peak. I'm just kicking the smoking habit and Squaw Peak put a toll on me (made it three times though). Either way, I am still going to attempt it. Also what kind of weather and conditions (various i.e. wild life, roads and people traffic) can I expect this weekend. I read your previous post on Brown Peak but was wanting info specific to Oct and recent. Thanks, and sorry for being such a novice in my first post.

The road is long and bumpy. You don't need a 4x4 but high clearance would probably make it easier.

I've never been on the peak formerly known as 'Squaw' but the trail info provided on the site says they're comprable. The last section of Browns is scrambling.

The weather is really nice right now, remember you'll be at 7657' at the peak, it was actually a little chilly the last time I went.

I'm A smoker and have made it to the top of Browns Peak without a problem. From the trailhead of Browns Trail to the saddle is an easy hike. From the saddle to the base of the real accent I was huffin and puffin a bit but the real fun comes when you start the scrambling and climbing part of this adventure (the best part) up thru the slot and to the top. Be careful and watch your step in the slot because there is a lot of slippery scree there. As you get towards the top of the slot there are 2 vertical accents that are only about 10 to 15 feet high but easily negotiable with plenty of hand and footholds. Make sure you sign the log book at the top and enjoy the view. And like Matt said, You might want to take a jacket because it does get windy up there.

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

Matt,

Thanks for your response. I have been monitoring the forums and have noticed that you have greatly contributed. I have valued your input and am grateful for your response. Also, I noticed you are an ASU student. I currently work at ASU in the Dept Mil Sci. Maybe, we can hook up some time. Again, thanks for the input. I have a 4x4 pick-up (I guess that will make it a little easier to get there). Look forward to meeting up with you.

In response to AK's reply:

AK,

Guess its time to quit smoking , especially if we want to keep up with all these great trails in AZ. Do people get offended when they confront smokers on the trail? Personally, I make every effort not to be noticed (not because of embarrassment, but respect for others), I'm sure you know what I mean. But no matter how inconspicuous you try to be, you will be seen. Anyways, thanks for your input. I will definately try to bring something warm because we also plan on staying overnight. Any thoughts of overnight camping in the saddle area?

Please exercise good bear management tactics in the area. No food in tent, bear bag all foods and toiletries. Don't sleep with clothes you have worn while cooking or eating.

Not sure what the resident population of ursines is now, but before the Lone Pine fire, the area had more than one bear per square mile. -R

First off, your welcome, second, really Joe deserves all the thanks; for putting this site together and maintaining it, I'm just doing my part to try and give something back.

I don't mind running into smokers on the trail (I'm kinda one myself) but I HATE running into cigarette butts, please pack them out.

There are some nice areas in the saddle for camping, but listen to Randy, the last thing you want is a bear in your tent...

Usually when I go to Four Peaks, I take the Oso Road entry from the east side of the mountain. It is only about ten miles of dirt road and gets you to the trailhead somewhat faster. As far as the bear population of the area; I spent two nights there two weeks ago and didn't see any sign or them. There weren't any track or scat along the trails that I used. But, as always just when you don't expect them there they are. I talked to some people in Punkin Center, and they commented that there hadn't been any sighting of them up there for a while and they couldn't explain it either. I am nervous about spending the night by myself there, but with no other options, like people with the free time to go with me, I usually go by myself. Actually there wasn't any sign of other animals up there either. I didn't see any deer track or any other animal sign, I was wondering about that myself. I would imagine that the drought might have a big effect on them. The areas around the springs didn't have tracks either, so that was unusual.

Good discipline around your camp is just good insurance, bears are unpredictable and running into a hungry bear is not one of my goals. Bear spray might work, or might not, I am still out on that one. I carry it, when I go there.