Southwest Ridge

Approach

Follow the directions on the main page.

Route Description

From the road walk straight towards the peak. Walk up any ridge from the desert floor up onto the balcony below the hard rock buttress. Cacti are abundant the entire way up and should be watched for because of their expansive variety in size and camouflage, which conceal them until you feel the pain of their needles. On top of the eroded earth below the tower of rock, a barbed wire fence must be crossed to get to the ridge. Veer to the right (southwest) below the rock formation. After a scree slope or two the end of the ridge will be directly above you. Once Mesa Prieta is visible, the ridge should be below your feet. Ascend the backbone of the ridge for several dozen feet then descend several feet to the left (northwest) to find the easisest route up an eroded shoot through the rocks and cacti. Above the shoot, it is just bouldering-hopping fun to the summit on top of the ridge.

Essential Gear

Basic hiking gear should suffice. Water is essential. Gloves and pants should be considered for all times during the year because of cacti and rattlesnakes.

Miscellaneous Info

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