Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Dec 30 2024

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Dec 30 2024
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	2.55 Miles	1,339 AEG

Hiking	2.55 Miles	2 Hrs 26 Mns	1.32 mph
	1,339 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

This has been on my radar since a failed attempt blamed on overconsumption of AZW's namesake wilderness beverage a decade ago.

I opted for a lasso loop based simply on looking at the terrain ahead and deciding that the route everybody else has taken looks stupid and unenjoyable. So I headed to the left for a saddle and took the peak via a very enjoyable ridgeline with cool geology and great views.

On the descent, I decided to avoid the Bruce route which apparently he does not recommend. But I took the next ridge over that descends directly to the saddle northeast of the peak. I had spied this on the way up and while it looked like there might be some dicey downclimbs on the rocky ridge, it also looked like there were bail options should I cliff out. It turned out great. A really nice way to do this. It seems to me that any sane person would avoid the miserable looking scree and steep that is the direct route as generally posted by most other hikers. But, what do I know?

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro - Crested

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Truck Remains/Wreckage

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Mar 13 2024

WildForAZ

Routes 9
Photos 490
Triplogs 20

female

Joined May 20 2016
AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Mar 13 2024
		WildForAZ • Triplogs 20

Hiking	5.81 Miles	2,032 AEG

Hiking	5.81 Miles	5 Hrs	1.16 mph
	2,032 ft AEG

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My list of hikes for this hiking season includes a handful of wilderness areas that I've never hiked in. I completed a few of them already, but Tres Alamos Wilderness was still on the list. I was looking at either Honey Bee Spring and the arch near it, or the summit of Sawyer Peak. After seeing that the former is not technically inside the wilderness boundary, I opted for Sawyer.

The small, unnamed dirt road turn off of Hwy 93 came up quick, and I missed it. I had to go another half mile and make a u-turn. Next time I'll know to watch for a gate across the dirt road. There is a sign posted that this is State Trust Land, and thankfully I had my annual state land permit in my glove compartment.

I followed this dirt road for a couple miles and then parked on the side of the road on a small hill. From there I walked over a mile and a half along the road to where it ends. I passed some joshua trees, a few small fields of poppies, and a corral with a dozen cows. The joshua trees fade out once you arrive at the base of Sawyer. Military jets flew over about once an hour.

I headed up the eastern slope. This off trail portion requires weaving around lots of prickly pear and cholla. I noticed a half dozen beautiful Indian Paintbrush flower bushes. The uphill became really steep for the last third mile or so, and the slope was loaded with loose rock of all sizes. I didn't think it was too bad going up, but it sure took me a long time to carefully go down this upper section.

The summit had large boulders to climb around. The views were incredible, especially with the shadows of big white puffy clouds. I watched a thunderstorm to the northeast that was moving further away.

The weather was absolutely perfect with a nice, cool wind all day long. This wilderness is beautiful, and I will definitely be back.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cheatgrass Indian Paintbrush Joshua Tree Mexican Gold Poppy Ocotillo Teddy-bear Cholla

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Truck Remains/Wreckage

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sawyer Peak - Tres Alamos

Wildflowers Observation Light
Poppies, Indian Paintbrush

_____________________

2 archives

Mar 04 2024

DixieFlyer

Guides 99
Routes 1,484
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,374

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Mar 04 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374

Hiking	5.91 Miles	1,768 AEG

Hiking	5.91 Miles	5 Hrs 39 Mns	1.37 mph
	1,768 ft AEG	1 Hour 20 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Tres Alamos has been on my hike list for a couple of years and I figured that it would be a good idea to get out there and do this hike before it got too hot, so off I went.

I drove in about 4 miles off of Highway 93 and decided to park and start hiking. I did not need 4WD, but high clearance came in handy. I could have driven another mile, but the hike wasn't that long to begin with so I was fine with doing a little extra road walking.

I hiked on the road for about 2 miles and then hiked around one mile off-trail to get to the peak, which was visible the whole way. The hike was straighforward although it was a bit steep, a bit rocky, and a bit brushy. It wasn't really bushwhacking, but there was a good bit of prickly pear cactus, staghorn/buckhorn cholla, and other assorted pleasantries to weave around. There was a bit of class 2 scrambling higher up, but nothing too onerous. There was a good bit of ankle busting rock to deal with, which slowed me down quite a bit.

It was nice at the summit, so I hung out there for probably 45 minutes. The summit register was placed there in 1980 and there was a Lilley-MacLeod entry along with entries from other names that I recognized.

It was a nice day for the hike, and I am glad to finally get this one done.

Synopsis
Another day, another peak bagged, and another Lilley-MacLeod sighting!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Indian Paintbrush Joshua Tree

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Donkey

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Reference Mark Summit Register Log

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Mountain Black Mountains Harquahala Mountain Harquahala Mountains Sawyer Peak - Tres Alamos Smith Peak Socorro Peak Vulture Peak Weaver Peak

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I saw a few Indian paintbrush and one poppy display.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Mar 30 2019

FLYING_FLIVER

Guides 1
Routes 259
Photos 10,458
Triplogs 293

male

Joined Jan 28 2010
Fountain Hills,

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Mar 30 2019
		FLYING_FLIVER • Triplogs 293

Hiking	3.85 Miles	1,641 AEG

Hiking	3.85 Miles	6 Hrs 12 Mns	1.78 mph
	1,641 ft AEG	4 Hrs 2 Mns Break

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My research showed most hikers go up and down this peak from the east side. The available east side roads play a factor in this east route. Plus, it's an easier, shorter way to the top.

The survey parties did not use the east side at all. They initially started up from the south, then went up, what they called, a ridge from the west.
There's an excellent road to the south, however it goes through private land, and even after two calls to the BLM, no definitive info was given to me stating it was "OK" to use that road.
(A few years ago, Joe and the Eagle had to modify their track due to this "private land" issue).

Anyway, since surveyors placed the Sawyer Azimuth Mark near that west ridge, (and me, not wanting to use private land), I parked on the east side of the peak. I then hiked clockwise, around the base of the mountain, located the azimuth mark, and then hiked up from the west.
I completed my circle by going down the east side, back to my trailhead.
This circle track gave me a tour of most of the base of the mountain.

Excellent info on the Sawyer Benchmark datasheet helped me locate the azimuth mark disk.
Getting to the azimuth mark from the opposite side of the mountain had me using an old mine road for a bit, then crossing six or seven drainages.
Dodging cholla, and dancing on scree added some fun on the way.

The west ridge, up to the high point (and to the Sawyer benchmark) is actually nonexistent.
There's just some very high bumps, lined up in a row, going up to the peak, that I side-traversed to get up the mountain.
There's also a couple cliff bands to navigate on the way up the west side, plus cholla and more scree to add to my entertainment.

The actual peak is very narrow, and full of huge boulders.
Not too hospitable for navigating the top.

Going down the east side was initially steep, for about half the descent, then it got more gentle. The gentle part included the largest grove of prickly pear known to man.
I didn't bother the pears, and they didn't bother me.

All in all, a very nice hike. It's not that far away, so start early, and give Sawyer Pk its due.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Joshua Tree Prickly Pear

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Azimuth Mark Benchmark Cairn Historic survey instrument structure Reference Mark Summit Register Log

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Mountain Harcuvar Mountains Harquahala Mountains Sawyer Peak - Tres Alamos Smith Peak Tres Alamos Wilderness

_____________________

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
J.R.R.TOLKIEN

Jan 03 2015

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Jan 03 2015
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.80 Miles	3,005 AEG

Hiking	14.80 Miles	9 Hrs 30 Mns	2.16 mph
	3,005 ft AEG	2 Hrs 38 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

Heading in on Alamo Rd we got onto Pipeline Ranch Rd and hit no trespassing signs. The property is indeed "private" based on a quick check on http://gis.azland.gov/. Seems to be the only spot in the immediate area. Getting around looks to be a waste of time.

Nevertheless an inspiring drive in passing impressive Joshua Trees. One with a trunk as wide as a sycamore just not as tall. In slight disappointment the population fizzled out by the time we parked.

On with the show we flipped Bruce's game plan and hit Sawyer counter clockwise. About 29 degrees to start. Not bad with long johns, a fleece jacket, a balaclava and hand warmers. We headed NE up Date Creek. I found out my favorite type of sand to hike on is frozen sand!

1.7 miles in things got interesting as the canyon narrowed. Great morning light on the walls however I didn't bring a real camera. A hop, skip and a jump later at 2.5 miles the canyon boxes in at Honeybee Spring. There was a medium sized pool frozen over. Naturally we tossed rocks, acted like idiots for ten minutes then moved on. Actually it had a waterfall trickling so we worked our way around and up then continued the act of rock, fling, giggle with more velocity.

Headed over towards Sawyer in earnest. Joshua Trees started clicking. Despite signs of grazing this area offered up nice views. Sawyer is a bit steep. We nailed the approach with a direct ascent from the east and would recommend it to others.

Lunched on top and played the surrounding peak game. Based on our time we would not get to try the full Tres Alamos sampler. I encouraged at least a different route down. Of course that bit me in the butt almost immediately. I picked a line and Bruce followed with slight hesitation. Next on a semi exposed mini knife edge ridge with the consistency of a timid landslide things looked grim. Figured if I got across unscathed he might consider. Based on the vivid adjectives I don't think he enjoyed it, but he made it!

From there it was only fifty yards to the end of the snow. Oh did I mention the snow... just 1-2 inches. It didn't end in fifty yards as I promised, more like two hours later. It wasn't horrible and it wasn't freezing, it just wasn't the easy route we ascended.

The return after that was get 'er done. Overall a good little hike to continue piecing together what is going on NW of the Valley so few explore!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5-4zzEa9do

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blackie Peak

_____________________

- joe

Jan 03 2015

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Jan 03 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	15.79 Miles	2,984 AEG

Hiking	15.79 Miles	9 Hrs 34 Mns		2.09 mph
	2,984 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	15 LBS Pack

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joebartels

The planned loop turned into a lasso Loop, after we ran into Private Property signs 10 miles in off of Rt93 on Pipeline Road. How can a road (Pipeline Road) that runs through a property, be Private.

Date Creek sees 4 wheel and ORV action, but we saw, nor heard none while we were there.
Honey Bee Spring is an interesting area that we spent a bit of time exploring and acting like kids by throwing rocks on the ice. Heck, you don't to get to do that too often being desert dwellers.

We took the east approach to assault Sawyer. After being up top, this appears to be the best approach. There was scattered snow on the way up, but it took longer to dodge the cacti going up. The closer you get to the peak, the steeper this sucker got.

We had lunch on the windless peak and admired the views in all directions. Alamo Lake was barely visible 20 miles to the west, to the southwest, Smith Peak (16 miles) and Harquahala (31 miles) both with a bit of snow. To the NNW in the Arrastra Wilderness Ives and Viola at 6miles and Arrastra Mountain 16 miles away.

We contemplated our route down.
Neither of us like out and back hikes and I got talked into following the ridge line to the north as our escape route. It was a lot of boulder hopping, snow covered in spots. The snow made it slow going wearing shoes that are in need of replacement.

Note to self: Joe has no concept of length or time, 50 yards is never 50 yards and 15 minutes is never 15 minutes

There were two spots on the way down where I questioned both of our sanity. The scariest spot had me straddling a crumbly rock knife edge ridge 12" wide, with my right leg exposed to a 500' drop on one side and my left leg exposed to a different 500' drop on the other. Luckily it was only 6' to 8' long.

Once down we had to climb back up to the saddle 500' in the deepest snow of the day.

From here on out I led us back, while Joe announced the Cards game to me from the radio he as listening to. A special effort was made to stay out of the canyons to attempt to get reception. We missed the most of the 3rd qtr. Damn Cardinals. :bdh:

but a remarkable year.

Video at Honey Bee Spring http://youtu.be/0PKXpJvvcCY
Video from Sawyer Peak http://youtu.be/OyuTErRLPRY

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Joshua Tree

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Javelina Painted Lady Butterfly

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Intrepid Back Shot

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blackie Peak Date Creek Honey Bee Spring Sawyer Peak - Tres Alamos Tres Alamos Wilderness

	Honey Bee Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	50' x 30' pool was frozen over with an inch of ice

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Dec 21 2013

Jonnybackpack

Photos 450
Triplogs 40

42 male

Joined May 30 2008
queen creek, az

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Car Camping		Dec 21 2013
		Jonnybackpack • Triplogs 40

Car Camping	5.00 Miles	1,630 AEG

Car Camping	5.00 Miles
	1,630 ft AEG

no routes

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chumley

My brewery released the " Tres Alamos Tripel" last week and I was ashamed that I hadn't been there. Also, we needed the beer's label photo, so I grabbed my dog, camera, and Chumley and ventured out! The photography wasn't great, but the landscape is amazing. J trees were all up in diz place. Chumley showed me why 4 wheel drive and not caring about your paint job is the AZ way. There is a pretty amazing canyon along the Date Creek just inside the TA Wilderness that, when flowing, would be a stunning waterfall. It seems to have a pool at the base of it all year. Really though, the Joshua trees, all of the rancher's wells, old trucks,and other artifacts could keep you busy for a couple of days.

P.S. We didn't bag any peaks because a certain someone was withered like a 40 year old prune from the aforementioned beer. :stretch:

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Joshua Tree

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dog

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Natural Arch

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Automobile Remains/Wreckage

_____________________

Dec 21 2013

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Tres Alamos, AZ

Hiking		Dec 21 2013
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	3.66 Miles	671 AEG

Hiking	3.66 Miles	3 Hrs	1.22 mph
	671 ft AEG

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Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

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Jonnybackpack

Fun brewery weekend exploring previously unvisited wilderness area with a beard. Joshua Trees are really cool, but a little difficult to climb without pain. Water is good. Alcohol is bad. Salt is good. Date Creek wash is fun to drive in. Daisy won't have to trim her nails for a while. Saguaro are very interesting. Found a dive bar on the way home. Opinions run high and strong in small towns these days. Neat part of the world. Will have to go back.
Daisy trimming her nails: http://youtu.be/lQ8QzJAQqNo
Date Creek drive: http://youtu.be/f3orSyB0o0s (possibly the most boring video ever posted on haz)

(And no, we didn't break any laws. I would never cut a living cactus, even if it wasn't subject to the Arizona Native Plant Law.)

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Joshua Tree

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Natural Arch

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Automobile Remains/Wreckage HAZ Food Humor Informational/Interpretive Sign Solar Power Water Well

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Aso Pass Black Mountain Blackie Peak Honey Bee Spring McCloud Mountains Sawyer Peak - Tres Alamos Tres Alamos Tres Alamos Spring Tres Alamos Wilderness Weaver Mountains

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

	Honey Bee Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	A huge, deep pool of water here, but very little of it is draining out. Somewhat milky green in color.

	Tres Alamos Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Dammed spring structure pipes most flow, but there are a handfull of pools to draw from, and occasional trickling water in some places.

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Feb 25 1996

mazatzal

Routes 36
Photos 2,658
Triplogs 1,347

67 male

Joined Jul 28 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Sawyer Peak 4293 - Black Mtns - Tres Alamos

Northwest, AZ

Hiking		Feb 25 1996
		mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347

Hiking	5.00 Miles	1,630 AEG

Hiking	5.00 Miles
	1,630 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

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Peak grabbing - high point of Black Mtns.

_____________________

2 archives

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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