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Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence - 5 members in 15 triplogs have rated this an average 2.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
15 triplogs
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Jun 28 2025
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 28 2025
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking
Hiking
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
  2 archives
Jan 16 2025
avatar

 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 16 2025
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking2.14 Miles 258 AEG
Hiking2.14 Miles
258 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Midday hike. Looking for something short on the north side. It’s been a few years since my last visit. Got to the park a little before noon. I didn’t have much of plan except to summit the ridge. Every time I come I feel there are more trails crisscrossing the slope. I had options to the top. Beautiful day. Clear views all around. Views from the top hadn’t changed much. The biggest change is that the quarry to the east is being filled in. This is my 6th or 7th time in the area and I don’t recall there being any action in the quarry on my visits. Today, there was nonstop truck activity, dumping dirt and debris. I’m betting that the quarry pit has come up over 10 feet since my last visit.

This is an easy climb, but a sketchy descent. The granite slopes are often time slick and can easily lead to falls. Followed some use trails to the south for a short stint just to get over 2 miles. The parking lot was packed, but only saw 1 other person on the mountain. No wildlife.
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  2 archives
Feb 13 2023
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2023
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking1.60 Miles 258 AEG
Hiking1.60 Miles      53 Mns   1.81 mph
258 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Short after work hike. Decided to hit up Buffalo Ridge. It’s been awhile. Took a circuitous route, swinging out wide to the west side, trying to avoid the frisbee lanes (surprisingly busy considering the windy weather). The desert is sparse enough that I was able to be “off trail” and the frisbee course for most of it. Went up the western slope more off trail than I anticipated. I remember there being a fairly weather path in the past. I thought I was on it initially, but soon found myself rock hopping to the top. Walked around the top hitting a couple of high points. Enjoyed the views off to the northeast. Looked like the Spur Cross area and the McDowells were getting some rain. Looked like they were filling in the mining pit off to the east. A lot fill dirt had been added to the bottom. Made my way down the southern slope and then followed a user trail that wended along the base of the eastern hills. Nice short outing. The wind and clouds enhanced the outing considerably.
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Mar 04 2022
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 Guides 2
 Routes 251
 Photos 4,593
 Triplogs 3,212

63 male
 Joined Feb 26 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 04 2022
BobP • Triplogs 3,212
Hiking0.50 Miles 258 AEG
Hiking0.50 Miles
258 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
https://www.seeitourway.org
Always pronounce Egeszsegedre properly......
If you like this triplog you must be a friend of BrunoP
 
Jun 01 2021
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 01 2021
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking1.28 Miles 258 AEG
Hiking1.28 Miles      36 Mns   2.13 mph
258 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I had commitments in the afternoon so I needed something that I could squeeze in after work. This hill is pretty close to my work so it worked out well. Started from the Buffalo Park parking area. There is no designated trail for this hike. It’s pretty much user chose your path. From the parking area there is an obvious scar going up the southern face of the hill. That’s what I opted to use as my access point. At first I hadn’t thought I hiked this particular path before but as I ascended another trail came in from the east and I’m pretty sure that I had used that eastward trail previously. The trail began to spiderweb as it continued to climb. I tried to stay on the most used track to reach the lower prominence. From there I ascended the taller peak from the western side. Once again there is an obvious scar going up to the top. Once you reach the summit there are several other high points that are easily accessible. I didn’t have time to visit those, but there is a nice low point in between these “peaks” that descended to. (Last time I was here someone had set up a tent in this spot). From here I turned back to the south and just picked a path down the mountain. Scared up 2 jackrabbits but otherwise had the hill to myself
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Mar 07 2021
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 Guides 21
 Routes 1,182
 Photos 36,858
 Triplogs 1,570

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Park and exploration, AZ 
Buffalo Ridge Park and exploration, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 07 2021
tibber • Triplogs 1,570
Hiking2.86 Miles 510 AEG
Hiking2.86 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   2.07 mph
510 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Buffalo Ridge Loop
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This was the hike I intended to to the day I broke my wrist but I opted for the Thunderbird Park area instead; oh well. So today was the day as it was going to be warm and I didn't want to do a lot. This is about 5 minutes from my house. It is also a frisbee course I think. I didn't really check that part out as I skirted the outer edge of it. Last posted trip report was 2015.

It was warm right off the bat even though the sky had light broken cloud cover. I saw another hiker so I followed her to get to the start of the trail. I hiked it east and then north alongside the housing area. I headed up a slight hill. I noticed a small mountain to the right but there were people there so I continued in the direction I had on RS; besides it wasn't on my route for today. As I came up and over and up I was at the fenced edge of the gravel pit. It was rather interesting to peruse. It does look like they actually cut into the side of Peak 1826 (the northern part of the Ridge).

I made my way around and started up the Ridge but decided it was pretty slippery. I would do okay going up but I am still babying my wrist so I headed back down and decided to go try the other mountain on the east. I was now going into exploration mode. I did a traverse to the top of the little peak at around 1637 feet. There is an interesting naked tree that looks like it was placed between the rocks.

Next it was to try and figure out how to get over to the rock-topped mountain, Peak 1726, where the American flag was flying. I could see a trail so I found my way and followed its faintness to where there was nothing but rocks. I thot there should be a way to get to the flag but I couldn't see anything so I just climbed up the rock🧗‍♀️. Ya I know, not the best thing to do with my healing wing but it was a short way up and the rocks were very solid. I didn't go to the very top as I didn't want to push it. Anyway, looks like there might have been some sort of fencing here. I assume someone is maintaining the flag as it's in good shape.

I carefully made my way down and past a campfire ring with some sort of metal bowl and scattered broken beer glass. I see the topo has a label for the Turkey Track Mine which is apparently on the eastern side; I was on the western side. I did go a little west to see if there was any more trail and there is as it looks like it takes you down toward some houses that are just off Cave Creek Road.

Next up was to check out the labyrinth I had see from the peak across the way. I traced my steps back and then took a left and headed south down what looks to have been an old road. The labyrinth appears to be in pretty good shape and has little brittle bush plants growing here and there with a quartz heart in the middle.

I headed west back up the hill and down the other side to where the trail takes you back to the Park. I decided that this little hike, a revised version, could work for a 'hood walk; altho on my 'hood walks I usually pick up my mail😉.

Well that was fun. I'll come back and get the official summits when my wrist is better healed and hike the western part of the loop too. 77 degrees and 18% humidity at start finishing at 12:18PM and 81 degrees.
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Sep 15 2015
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Camelback and a little extra, AZ 
Camelback and a little extra, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 15 2015
The_Dude • Triplogs 364
Hiking4.54 Miles 1,760 AEG
Hiking4.54 Miles   2 Hrs      2.43 mph
1,760 ft AEG      8 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Camelback Summit - Cholla Trail
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Partners none no partners
I only had time for a shorter hike today, so I headed for Camelback once I got back in to town. I have not hit the Big C yet this year, plus it had been almost two years since I have been on the Cholla side. Parked the ol' van about 4:30 to start hiking, and there were only 5-6 other cars parked along the road. Made good time to the top (not quite 45 minutes with a few quick breaks from the car, I will take that) passing a few folks on the uphill. This hike is so much more enjoyable when it is not super busy. Seems there is some new City of Phoenix signing up there since last I had hiked it, I hate to say but I think it makes things more confusing. There are at least 4 separate signing/ trail marking systems out there now, I could see how some folks could get confused. Took a few minutes up top to enjoy the views, and then back on down. I was still up for some more trail, but I did not have time for another Camelback, so I stopped by Buffalo Park on the way home for a quickie. I graduated from North Canyon High School, so I had been up here a few times before, but not since the early 90's...I made my way up the western prominence, and then hiked the bigger summit just to the east. There are numerous use trails that criss cross the south side, bushwhack is not bad at all either. Still made it over to the community center in time for my daughter's dance class. Good times!
_____________________
  2 archives
Jul 23 2015
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 251
 Photos 4,593
 Triplogs 3,212

63 male
 Joined Feb 26 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 23 2015
BobP • Triplogs 3,212
Hiking0.85 Miles 325 AEG
Hiking0.85 Miles
325 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
https://www.seeitourway.org
Always pronounce Egeszsegedre properly......
If you like this triplog you must be a friend of BrunoP
 
Jul 04 2015
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 251
 Photos 4,593
 Triplogs 3,212

63 male
 Joined Feb 26 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2015
BobP • Triplogs 3,212
Hiking0.88 Miles 325 AEG
Hiking0.88 Miles
325 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
https://www.seeitourway.org
Always pronounce Egeszsegedre properly......
If you like this triplog you must be a friend of BrunoP
 
Jul 03 2015
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 251
 Photos 4,593
 Triplogs 3,212

63 male
 Joined Feb 26 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 03 2015
BobP • Triplogs 3,212
Hiking0.80 Miles 269 AEG
Hiking0.80 Miles
269 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
https://www.seeitourway.org
Always pronounce Egeszsegedre properly......
If you like this triplog you must be a friend of BrunoP
 
Feb 04 2015
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge LoopPhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 04 2015
mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347
Hiking3.00 Miles 450 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   2.57 mph
450 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Peak 2075 Circumference
Peak 2075 - Rose Garden Lane - Phoenix
Scarlett Ridgeline Loop
Partners none no partners
Went out for two quick walks in an area I had never been to: Buffalo Ridge Park and Scarlet Canyon Park. Nice views of the 101 from both parks :)
Bring your frisbee as there is a 27 hole disc course :)
_____________________
  2 archives
May 29 2014
avatar

 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 29 2014
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking3.25 Miles 269 AEG
Hiking3.25 Miles   1 Hour   47 Mns   1.82 mph
269 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Came across this "trail" by looking at the "nearby hikes" feature when I did the Lookout Circumference Trail. Love that tool. I find tons of trails/hikes that are close by that I never would have known about if it were not for this tool. Case in point, Buffalo Ridge Summit. This mountain is located south of the 101 just east of 16th St. I've driven by this mountain numerous times on my way to the McDowell's and wondered if there were any trails there. The answer is.....kind of. There is no official trail here, but there is a nice frisbee golf course with a variety of paths connecting the baskets. That being said, there is no one trail to do. And since the area is fairly well restricted by roads, homes and a quarry one can simply say you've hiked the area. Which is what I did. I started off by hiking the west perimeter of the frisbee course and then climbed the mountains from the west side. There was a faint trail to the top that was very "Tom Thumbish" -- loose, sandy granite on a steep rocky slope. Slippery, but doable. It's not a huge climb. I topped out at about 1830, hitting both high points. I didn't even notice the quarry until I reached the ridgeline. Not an inspiring hike, but not horrible if you live close by. I definitely would not drive out of my way for this hike. Lookout Mountain and the Sonoran Preserves are much better choices.

Saw quite a few lizards, chipmunks, prairie dogs and what I think we're some distant javelina, though they could have been coyotes. No hikers, but there were some frisbee players.
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Apr 09 2012
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 573

46 male
 Joined Oct 19 2010
 Mesa, AZ
Buffalo Ridge LoopPhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 09 2012
Charger55 • Triplogs 573
Hiking2.00 Miles
Hiking2.00 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   1.33 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Partners none no partners
...Summited something. The ocotillos on the saddle were greener than anywhere else I've seen. Bright red tips too. There's also a nice quartz outcropping between the northern peaks. Sadly, there's a lot of graffiti up here too. No surprise since it's right behind a high school.
_____________________
"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road"
  1 archive
Jun 25 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 81
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 409

60 male
 Joined Feb 02 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 25 2010
paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409
Hiking0.95 Miles 269 AEG
Hiking0.95 Miles      30 Mns   1.90 mph
269 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Gathering track data (in conjunction with gathering track data for "Buffalo Ridge Loop". This is round trip distance that includes some wandering around.
_____________________
Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.
 
Mar 13 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 81
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 409

60 male
 Joined Feb 02 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western ProminencePhoenix, AZ
Buffalo Ridge Summit, Western Prominence
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 13 2010
paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409
Hiking0.80 Miles 269 AEG
Hiking0.80 Miles      40 Mns   1.20 mph
269 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice hike.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.
  1 archive
average hiking speed 1.92 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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