HikeArizona.COM

Just curious to see if anyone had any experience climbing to the top of Horse Mesa without ropes before I try.... Have viewed it numerous times from the lake and from the Apache Trail, but this will be first attempt. I have mapped several routes, some from the lake and one from the Trail. All seem rugged, but passable. I'm OK with that. Want to avoid vertical rock climbing as much as possible. There are towers up there, but I assume they brought them up by chopper.

Check out Bronco Butte
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=622

It's a real OLD trail that'll take you right UP
it may take you thirty minutes to find the trail but's it's worn for many sections and cairned too
there is one super duper steep section but I wouldn't hesitate going again

I know people also tackle this badboy from Crabtree Wash too, but I haven't done that yet

I have also come over Coronado Mesa hitting the mid section but I got into some serious trouble in the internal canyons

Now if you really just want to climb you can tag it from the first corner after the Fish Creek Bridge (it's an old picnic area as labeled on topo maps). I made it two/thirds of the way up. Though after more investigating it would have been possible had I just skirted around more then straight up. Only problem here is it's a hefty hike over to the main mesa where you'd probably like to go.

It's high grass on top, don't go without pants or gaiters

Nighthiker knows more about the MCSO radio repeaters and solar panels up top

In response to joe bartels' reply:

Thanks, Joe... The old trail sounds like our best bet...From which side of the mesa does it start? It may be the route I plotted that would take off from the AT directly to the south of the mesa... Yeah... Looks crazy from the top with those internal canyons. I could see how it would be easy for someone to strand themselves up there on a point. The views must be awesome!

I do a lot of X-country hiking, so trail condition is not a big deal. Cairns help immensley in the rocky country. Thanks for the tip on the grasses too.

The climb sounds like Picketpost (times 2 or 3)... steep hike with a few exposed sections where you need to use hands. Plus some bouldering. I thank you for the info.

Yes much like Picketpost
probably about equal as both are roughly 300-500 foot ascents
The steepest one is always the last one conquered

From the South
here's the route up

enjoy!

In response to joe bartels' reply: Off topic. Joe I see that the forum is up and running again? When did you bring it back? and thank you. I really enjoyed the info I would get off this forum from all the wonderfully informative members that offered their voice!

thanks again, woopitup.

In response to joe bartels' reply:

Thanks again.. Sorry I must have looked right over the Bronco Butte link in your first reply. Same route I mapped myself from the south. I'll give it a shot. the 300-500' ascent you mentioned... were you referring to the steep section? Total ascent is around 2000'. Your trail description was great. I could almost feel your pain. Didn't scare me away yet! Hopefully the grass will be green and the chollas will be kind to me that day! I'll report on it if I go out there this weekend.

In response to woopitup's reply:
Yes it's been up and running again for a few days now.


In response to twodears' reply:
yes, I was speaking of the steep sections of each hike

It's a great hike, it draws you in!
I look forward to hearing how your hike turns out!

For those of you who have been there, is Horse mesa what is referred to in this article?

http://www.ajpl.org/superstition/1astle.htm

References to the 1000's of feet to the river suggest Horse Mesa-Bronco Butte area, but then it sounds like Castle Dome itself.

Thanks in advance.

I haven't been to those myself. The terraces do sound interesting.

He mentions "in" the Superstition Wilderness twice so he must mean the Castle Dome we all know and love.

I was looking at the topos just now and the nw ridge has excellent views of Apache Lake.

Guess that sets the itinerary for my next hike.

Good luck on your trip, expect to observe whitetail deer in the area.