| |
| Panther Peak North to South, AZ | |
|
| | Panther Peak North to South, AZ | | | |
|
|
Panther Peak North to South, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 8.04 Miles |
3,148 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.04 Miles | 5 Hrs 50 Mns | | 1.74 mph |
| 3,148 ft AEG | 1 Hour 12 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This hike originated at Sanctuary Cove, included an ascent of Panther Peak from the north and a descent down the southern side, and then a loop on the desert floor back to Sanctuary Cove. The trail has been described by others, so I'll just record a few observations:
1. The ascent and descent of what I call "Sanctuary Ridge" at the start and end of the hike can be accomplished on established trails, but I often seem to end up improvising. Vegetation and topography are not major factors if you end up "off trail". Once you get to the desert floor on the west side of the ridge there are well defined trails.
2. The jump off point to leave the east/west trail and head for the north-side gully for the ascent is marked by 2 cairns. If you look north past the NPS barbed wire border fence you will see another, substantial cairn located on private property. The trail junction is slightly west of due north of the gully.
3. The ascent trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. The climb is mainly over/around boulders. At about 3/4 of the way to the saddle there are a few places that required me to use hands to assist in the climb, but there is no exposure - just large steps of a few feet in height.
4. From the saddle there is a well marked trail westward up the slope to the Panther Peak summit.
5. The descent to the south was shallower than the north side ascent. The descent slope was largely scree, especially at the beginning, with footing unstable but manageable. I'd recommend a trekking pole or two. The trail firmed up during the descent.
6. The trails around Panther Peak and back to "Sanctuary Ridge" are mostly obvious but not always marked. It's not much of a factor as you could walk anywhere and can always find the major trail by walking north until you hit the NPS border fence, which the eastbound trail closely follows. The loop trail is mostly dirt on the south and northwest portions, sandy wash on the western side, and becomes more and more rocky as you proceed easterly toward what I call Sanctuary Ridge.
7. For variety approaching the aforementioned ridge, I stuck with a trail that ran right along the border fence. A short distance into the climb up this ridge, there was a gate to the north (private property) and the trail I was following was marked "Closed". Not knowing the reason for the closure, I backtracked a bit, moved south, and bushwhacked my way back up the ridge without any problems. Note this trail was more northerly than the major trail depicted on some maps...
8. I enjoyed this hike very much and thought the views from Panther Peak were a bit better than from Sombrero/Safford Peak, even though the summit is lower and you don't see much of Tucson (perhaps that's why).
9. As far as which side to pick for the ascent, I prefer ascending from the north. The trail is along/over boulders which provide firm footing, even when having to do a bit of hand-assisted stepping up. The south side consists of a lot of loose scree, especially the upper half. Although the approach from the south is shallower, I prefer ascending on solid surfaces and descending on scree - avoiding steeper descents when possible - it's easier on my knees for one thing. Either way you choose you will be treated with excellent views.
I'm in my 60's and had no difficulty completing this hike.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
