UN 4209 "South Newman Peak"

Getting There

Getting to the base of this peak is, quite frankly, insane.  A patchwork of landownership and a rabbit warren of un-marked, unmapped roads makes it nearly impossible for me to describe the driving directions in any detail.  The necessity of crossing the canal limits the access options.  Pay close attention to Scott Surgent’s driving directions to the southern access for Newman Peak.

In particular, note that as of my visit in February 2013, the Park Link Road access over the railroad tracks is indefinitely closed to traffic.

Parking Details

Elevation: 1280 feet
Latitude: 32.7121
Longitude: -111.4244

Vehicle Requirements: High clearance 4x4 required.  Stock vehicles will do fine, but some of the monsoon washouts are getting pretty crazy.  There is room for 4-5 vehicles if you are all in the same party (and not worried about blocking one another in).

Route

Northwestern Gully

Roundtrip Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,930 feet
YDS Rating: Class 2
Bushwhack Rating: Desert B1

In contrast to the driving directions to reach the base of this peak, the hiking route is exceedingly simple.

·  From the parking area, head east up the canal berm and cross the canal via a narrow concrete bridge.

·  Follow an old dirt road east, passing a borrow pit (mining).

·  You may note two cairned social paths diverging: The northern route hearing toward Newman Peak, the southern fork heading to
“South Newman.” 

· Take the right fork, crossing a drainage, heading to the saddle that sits to the right of the summit of “South Newman.”

·  Begin ascending the drainage to this saddle.  It steepens and becomes rocky, but the scampering should never exceed Class 2+.  Give prickly plants a wide berth.

Upon reaching the saddle, simply fishhook trending southwest up to the summit.  Look for a weakness in the cliffbands just above the saddle for easiest passage.  Keep an eye out for loose rock and be careful not to kick anything down on your partners.

Red Tape

There is a patchwork of Arizona State Trust Lands and private lands in this vicinity, including railroad and canal property.  Respect posted No Trespassing boundaries and gates.  It may be wise to obtain a recreation permit from the Arizona State Land Department before entering this area.

Weather & Seasons

Camping

Many visitors to this area will either live in or be visiting the Arizona cities of Phoenix or Tucson. For those wishing to stay near the mountain, below is information about camping in the Picacho Peak State Park. Note that services are very limited at Interstate 10 Exit 219, with no hotels and just restaurant, shop and truck stop.

Picacho Peak State Park Campgrounds

Be forewarned that these campsites are all in close proximity to an interstate as well as a busy railroad.

Per the park website: Picacho Peak State Park’s campgrounds have a total of 85 sites for both tent and RV camping. All sites are first come-first served. Access to all sites is paved. Sites are fairly level and are located in a natural Sonoran Desert setting. Both back-ins and pull-throughs are available. No maximum size limit (except no tractor trailers allowed). All sites offer a picnic table and barbeque/fire ring. Many sites also offer ramadas, and some of the sites are handicapped-accessible. Use of the dump station is included in price for camping. Potable water is available at the dump station. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is not permitted during these hours. There are two modern, handicapped-accessible restroom and shower buildings available at no additional charge for campers.

- 62 sites have electric hook-ups

- 25 do not have electric hook-ups

- Water & sewage RV hook-ups are not available

- Two bath facilities provide hot showers

External Links

Scott Surgent’s Newman Peak Trip Report

Please notify me via Additions and Corrections of any external trip reports or other useful material that should be added here.