Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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33.95860°N / 112.0881°W |
County:
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Maricopa |
Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Fall, Winter |
|
Elevation:
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3336 ft / 1017 m |
|
Overview
Photo View Peak is an accessible mountain off of I-17 in the north valleys of Phoenix within the community of New River. It is located on State Lands and has a loop trail. The summit offers excellent views in all directions, with a prominence of 716’. Photo View Peak is an unofficial name. It is located east of W. Photo View Road.
The only issue with this mountain is that the trails go straight up. As a result, some sections are almost unreasonably steep. Therefore, this isn’t just a comfortable Sunday stroll. The 5.4 mile loop can take 2 ½-3 ½ hours, even though the total elevation gain is less than 1,700’.
That being said, if you can handle some loose, steep, trails, this is nice peak to add to your list.
The best time to hike Photo View Peak is wintertime. It can be done in spring or fall if done early morning, but given the length of the hike, it is best to do in winter months to avoid overheating and rattlesnakes.
Getting There
There is an unofficial trailhead with no amenities located at the corner of W. Photo View Road and N. 27th Avenue in New River. From there, walk along Photo View Road for about half a mile. Take a left at the State lands gate. Hike another 0.6 miles, and then there is the start of the loop.
There are two options. You can start up to the right via the southwest loop, which has a lot of ups and downs; or start to the left via the northeast loop which is shorter and steeper with fewer ups and downs. Basically, hikers can pick their poison. The northeast loop is steep, but easier going up than going down. The southeast loop has some very steep sections on the descent, and you have to go back up and over a few times. All in all, based on my experience, I think both are equal options. Watch your footing on the descents as there is jumping cholla off the trail.
The loop itself is about 5.4 miles with a total elevation gain of nearly 1,700’. This hike is a difficult one due to the steepness of the descents on either side of the loop.
Red Tape
The entrance gate to the trails is on Arizona State lands, but not the parking area, which is just open land. However, in the rare circumstance where someone from the State of Arizona might check, it would be at the parking area. If your group has permits on their car, they wouldn’t bother you on the trails.
It would be very rare for a representative from the State of Arizona to ever be on trails within State Lands checking for permits. I have never experienced it, but I still have my permit in my bag when accessing State lands.
To download and purchase an Arizona State lands permit, a one-year permit can be purchased here for $16.
External Links
Scott Surgent Trip Report: https://www.surgent.net/highpoints/az/range/newriv.html