Peacock Peak

Overview

Peacock Peak is the highest point of the Peacock Mountains, about 15 miles northeast of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Typical of ranges in this part of the state, the Peacocks are heavily forested in a mix of cactus, brush, agave and pines higher up, and very rocky. The summit is 6,292 feet elevation, with 2,092 feet of clean prominence.

The Peacocks see very little activity. The range is small by relative standards, being surrounded by the higher peaks such as Hualapai Peak to the southwest, Mount Tipton to the west, and the Music Mountains of the Grand Wash Cliffs to the north and east. Most of the surrounding land is private and state intermixed sections, with primitive and sometimes confusing roads. The log book on the summit showed about one or two ascent teams per year, with some years seeing no one.

Getting There

The west side seems to offer a logictically easier approach and hiking route.

From Interstate-40, exit onto Andy Devine Road (Exit 53), and zero the odometer. This is also AZ-66 (Historic US-66). Go north for 4.5 miles to Mohave Airport Drive, and turn right (east). Drive a half-mile to Shipping Lane on the left. Go north on Shipping Lane for about 1.2 miles to a cattle grate, where the pavement ends. The road bends left slightly (called Bruce Rd) for about a mile, then bends right (now called Topeka Rd), paralleling the railroad tracks. Stay on Topeka about 2 miles to Jan Road (this is about 3.5 miles from the airport. Everything is signed). Go east on Jan Road about 7 miles directly into the range to a T-junction. Turn right (south) onto Hensz Way, and proceed steeply up the road-cut up a foothill for about a mile, parking in some bladed pullouts. You'll be about 4,700 feet.

Comments:

• The topographic map does not show any of these roads on the west side of the range. Use google images or some other satellite imaging to assist.

• This area appears to be a failed subdivision. Roads were bladed in along section boundaries, but only a smattering of grim trailers and hovels are to be seen. More than likely you'll see piles of illegally dumped garbage alongside the roads. Lovely.

• Bruce, Topeka and Jan Roads are hard-pack dirt that appear to be susceptible to muddiness and decay during wet weather. The last mile of Jan Road weaves up, down and around some foothills.

• Hensz Way is very steep and requires high clearance. Not sure what the purpose of this road was. It simply ends abutting the mountainside. Four-wheel drive may be a good idea.

• We got the impression that the homesteads you see in the area of Jan and Hensz are abandoned. We did not see any lights, vehicles, people, dogs, etc.

Red Tape

The roads appear to be all public right-of-way. We did not see any signs against trespassing. We saw nothing at all.

Camping

We camped in some pullouts about a mile up into the range along Hensz Way. There is no formal camping immediate to the Peacocks. Hualapai Mountain Park in the Hualapai Mountains has full amenities. Kingman has all sorts of hotels.

External Links

Trip Report, 4-3-11

Images

View Peacock Peak Image Gallery - 5 Images