Coyote Peak lies in central Pima County of southern Arizona, about 35 miles west of Tucson and directly east of the famous Kitt Peak and its signature observatories. While Kitt is visited often by tourists, hikers and star-gazers, Coyote is rarely climbed, and very little information exists about this peak, both in print and on the internet. Although Coyote and Kitt Peaks are no more than a handful of airmiles distant from one another, they are parts of two distinct ranges. Coyote Peak is the highpoint of the eponymous Coyote Mountains, separated from Kitt Peak (and the Quinlan Range) by a deep-cut valley. In fact, Coyote Peak has significant prominence, over 2,300 feet of clean prominence � a rare case of two highly prominent peaks with such close proximity to one another.

While mostly unknown to outside hikers and climbers, Coyote is highly visible, if often by accident by those viewing Kitt Peak from afar. From the north, including points along Interstate-10 south of Picacho Peak, Kitt Peak is easily identified by its huge observatory tower, even over 60 miles distant on the far southwest horizon. Coyote Peak is the big mountain immediately to your left (Kitt�s east). In 1994 most of the Coyote Mountains were designated as a Wilderness Area and are currently managed by the BLM. The Tohono O�odham Nation borders the wilderness on the west and north, while state and private lands border the range on the south and east. A slightly confusing road net allows for access to the lone (as far as we know) public access point into the wilderness, coming in from the north and east.

A hike up Coyote is a grueling, all-day journey. A fine old road and trail gets you to the range crest at 4,850 feet elevation (and for many, this would be a good point to call it a day and go back down � the views up here are outstanding!). From here you follow a very old trail, way overgrown with cactus and grasses, for about 2.5 miles west along the ridge. The final 800 feet is up steep boulders, rock faces and brush, with the final push to the top requiring good route-finding skills and some class-3 rock scrambling in places. The summit is brushy, tight and with no real views. You may want to consider the overall return on investment on your efforts. Even if you get part of the way you�ve done a lot.

Reach, Pilgrim.

Getting There

From the junctions of Interstate-10 and Interstate-19 in Tucson, proceed south for � mile on I-19 to Ajo Way (Arizona State Highway 286), and turn right (west). Drive about 30 miles west, passing through suburbs, open desert and the community of Three Points (last chance for gas and food, but avoid the restrooms). All the while, Coyote Peak looms high, seemingly merging with Kitt Peak and forming one mountain. Look for a sign for Hayhook Ranch Road, and turn left (south) onto this good dirt road. Be aware that most maps do not show these roads accurately as there has been a lot of new grading and subdividing of lands here in the past few years.

Follow Hayhook Ranch Road south, then west, then south again, following the bends in the road. At some point you�ll need to turn right, but no roads are marked out here. You are aiming for N 32.01038, W 111.4782 (NAD27 CONUS) (Map) near the 2,999 spot elevation. Beware the maps do not show the roads (the actual road comes right in on the red section-line border itself). You may have to use the GPS to make the right turn on the correct latitude reading! Keep driving west past some homes. You will pass the small �Hope Springs� Ranch near the dead-end, where the wilderness access point is located. There is room to park off to the side. The total one-way dirt-road driving is about 8-10 miles, and the roads are pretty good but sometimes sandy and washboarded, although passenger vehicles should be okay in dry weather.

View of our approach road (and track/trail)

Red Tape

This is Wilderness, so foot traffic is allowed but no motorized travel. The surrounding areas are mostly private homes so be considerate of them while visiting. The Tohono O'odham Nation lands lie to the north and are fenced closed.

Camping

Camping at the Wilderness boundary is not recommended since you�ll be just a few feet from some residences. There are no good camping options close to the peak. The best campgrounds are about 30 miles away at the Gilbert Ray Campgrounds located in the Tucson Mountains Park, abutting the West Unit of Saguaro National Park. From Ajo Way follow Kinney Road (and the signs) to the parks and the campground.

The very top, almost.

The (Steep Brushy Cactusy Overgrown Bouldery) Route

The route to the summit is about 5.5 miles one way, maybe 6 if you zig-zag more, and about 3,500 feet of net elevation gain.

The first 1.5-2 miles from the Wilderness Boundary follow an old 4wd road/track west across the desert flats. You'll see the road cut diagonally up a ridge ahead of you. Behid it, the road turns tightly into a small canyon, crosses an old earthen tank and ends not too much further. At the end of the road a very good trail continues and works its way up the hillsides to the range crest at elevation 4,850 feet (approx.), approximately at N 32.00412, W 111.50861 (NAD27 CONUS). (The map shows other trails but apparently not the one we were on) At the range crest there is a fence line and a gate, and the total one-way statistics to here are about 1,900 feet of gain in about 3 miles. It took us about an hour and a half. To this point the hike is quite enjoyable and the scenery is fantastic, including large stands of saguaro on the lower northern slopes, and outstanding views in all directions across the deserts.

From here to the summit is about another 2.5-3 miles along the ridge. Walk west up and down some minor rock outcrops for maybe 150 horizontal feet, then view a steep hillside ahead of you topped by some giant rock pinnacles. Look very carefully and you may be able to spot the remnants of an old trail that switchbacks up this hillside. If you can't find it, just start up cross-country, and sooner or later you'll come across it. The trail seems to have been constructed quite well originally, as many old stone walls and bulwarks are still visible (and many cairns, too). However, the brush and cactus is very thick now all over the trail. In any case, walk up the trail, and keep on it as it sidehills across a small peak to another saddle a ways ahead. The next portion is a longish traverse across more hillside along this old trail, which includes some drops and some scrambling through brush and rock to avoid the worst of the brush. Keep at this for awhile until you come to the final saddle below the summit (see the picture above).

From this saddle we walked up the immediate slope in front of us, entering into a steep boulder slope requiring some simple maneuvering but often having to avoid the dense trees and brush. Cairns in places help, but pay attention. This lets out onto another small saddle and from here it's more rock, brush, scrambling, trees and cactus to the top, and it doesn't actually get any easier...

• Wear long pants, good shoes and leather gaiters as the brush and cactus is very thick and everywhere, and there simply is no way to avoid it.

• Carry up all water, and plan for a long day. Some sections are very steep and the grasses hide things like littler rocks and loose crud... and a slip and fall probably will happen to you at least once.

• Given the nature of this hike, a winter ascent is suggested. It'd be a bitch even in moderately warm temperatures, and the brush-choked hillsides, with all those nice rocks and voids between them, would be perfect living conditions for all sorts of rattlesnakes.

I have to admit - I gave up at 6,100 feet due to time and the tiring effect of the brush and cactus on my will. My partner streeyyr did manage to make the top but reported it to be difficult. This is a peak for list-completers only... A hike to the ridge crest is worth the time and the Coyotes do have a nice profile to them, but the peak, well, you decide.

External Links

Coyote Mountains Wilderness

Gilbert Ray Campground

Arizona Prominence Peaks Map

Images