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| Harcuvar RR Incline and Mines, AZ | |
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| | Harcuvar RR Incline and Mines, AZ | | | |
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Harcuvar RR Incline and Mines, AZ
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| Hiking | 10.10 Miles |
3,946 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.10 Miles | 7 Hrs 20 Mns | | 1.63 mph |
| 3,946 ft AEG | 1 Hour 8 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| partners | | Some version of this hike has been on my radar for 10 or so years, ever since I noticed the words "Inclined Railway" on a TOPO and was actually able to see it on Satellite View. I was never sure how challenging the road would be to get there with the vehicles I had. Fortunately, this turned out to be a non-issue for where we parked. A high-clearance vehicle could easily make it to the entrance of the Bonanza Mine with little problem. Beyond that point, a special vehicle would be required.
The main goal for the day was to set eyes on the inclined railway, with the hope of eventually getting closer to it during the hike.
We made our way to the first set of mines on the day, and it was quite an impressive setup considering how remote it was. A considerable amount of effort and equipment had been put into developing this area.
We explored the mining equipment, buildings, and then ventured through a screen door to enter the mine. We walked about 150 feet, passing over some of the shafts that descended into darkness. I couldn't determine how much farther the mine extended, but I had seen enough.
Next, we walked down the drainage a bit to find a suitable route to ascend to the ridgeline. If I had paid more attention to the maps, we would have walked a bit farther to investigate another mine shaft.
We followed the ridgeline around, heading toward our next objective. It was relatively easy hiking, although we had to watch out for hidden cholla balls. When we reached the saddle east of Harcuvar Mountain, we decided that we wouldn't have enough daylight to make it up and back and still accomplish our other goals for the day. That would have to wait for another day.
Cacklin' Karl found us a nice rock outcropping to seek shelter from the gusty breezes. It was a pleasant 64.5 degrees at lunchtime. From this point onward, our progress slowed down. Nothing was terribly rough, but it was a slow-paced journey.
The final descent to the Inclined Railway was the slowest part of our hike. We explored the mine at the top and then followed the railway for 495 feet down to the bottom. There was also an old trail that switchbacked down. This mine must have produced, because it likely took a considerable amount of time and effort to install this railway.
From here, we faced a challenging road walk back to the truck. I was relieved to finally check this one off my list. It was well worth the effort we put in on the day.
It was great to hike and catch up with Karl again. It had been since June 2022, the day we hiked Doyle Peak on the day before it decimated by fire. |
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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