Page Type: | Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon: | 34.06500°N / 113.3558°W |
County: | La Paz |
Activities: | Mountaineering |
Season: | Spring, Fall, Winter |
Elevation: | 5242 ft / 1598 m |
Smith Peak is the highest point of the Harcuvar Mountains, which are located in northeast La Paz County, parallel to the Harquahala Mountains. The two ranges hem in the McMullen Valley and highway US-60, along with the small towns of Salome, Wenden and Aguila. Before Interstate-10 was completed in the 1980s, this highway was the major connector between Phoenix and Los Angeles. The towns linger in a state of arrested decay, a throwback to the old days of the mid-20th Century. They are popular with winter snowbirds, who live in giant RV "cities" strung out along this highway. There are a few other summits along this ridge. The most prominent besides Smith Peak is Peak 4090 which is just 0.6 miles up and off the road, along with minor summits, Bullard BM 4,367' and Smith Peak East 4,922'. |
First, get to the town of Aguila. This tiny settlement (about 300 people) is located in extreme northwest Maricopa County along US-60, about 75 miles from Phoenix and 25 miles west of Wickenburg. If coming from the west, exit Interstate-10 at the Vicksburg Exit, go north to US-60, then drive another 40 miles to Aguila. The next couple of miles as you drive northwest demands a little care. You are driving through a gravel arroyo. As long as you keep a steady speed, you'll be fine. If you stop, there is a chance you may get stuck in the gravel. Small passenger vehicles are not advised. High clearance is preferred. Four-wheel drive is nice to have, but not a minimum requirement unless you plan to drive all the way to the top. About 5 miles up, you pass Bullard Peak on your right. There is a road leading to the right. For 2WD, this is probably the best place to park and start your hike. 2WD can drive another bit up the road, but there aren't many pullouts. The road gets much steeper as it climbs towards the ridge. There is a pullout just below Peak 4090 at about 3,624'. From here, Smith Peak is 4 1/2 miles up the road. There is a locked gate about a mile from the summit. Vehicles will park here on the side. Hikers just walk around. The photo below is about 4 1/4 miles from Smith Peak. |
Contact: BLM Field Office in Lake Havasu City for the latest information. Their number is 928-505-1200.
Topographical Map: Smith Peak. Note: the newer road is not shown on this map. It shows the older road, which should be ignored.
You can camp in the desert flats below the peak. The land is mostly BLM. Leave no trace, as usual.
Aguila is a very small farming town with the most basic of stores. If you want a hotel, Wickenburg (about 25 miles east) has plenty.