The peak rises over 7,800 feet above the town of Safford, and is the most prominent mountain in Arizona. The road is paved to start with, but eventually turns into graded dirt. Turn left and follow this path. At 3.0 miles the path begins a steeper ascent climbing 625 ft. in.8 miles to the summit of Graham Mountain. Hiked from where the old summit road takes off from the main road, as both were gated. Mount Graham International Observatory: The sky conditions in southeastern Arizona are among the best in … 13 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. All that said, the hike is boring with no views on the summit. There are many hiking trails that vary from short loops through mountain meadows to rigorous climbs of more than 5,000 feet from the desert valley to the alpine forests. Mount Graham is the highest of the peaks that breach the 10,000-foot barrier, while nearby Hawk Peak is home to the Mount Graham Observatory, its buildings visible from below and … Mt. Mount Graham 10,720 is located 13 miles southwest of Safford Arizona. It was a cold day, below freezing when I started but that was an improvement over how cold it was while car camping beforehand. The path starts a rather gentle ascent with some places descending slightly. June and July are the best months to enjoy this hike. Mt. The Pinaleno Mountains are the most dominant mountain feature in southeastern Arizona, the towering range rising over 7,000 feet over the Gila River Valley and the cities of Safford, Thatcher and Pima in Graham County.

Hike 1.9 miles to the herd path to Graham on the left. Passenger cars should be OK. Upper Trailhead: From Safford, go south on US191 and turn right on AZ366 (aka Swift Trail) to go up Mount Graham. The upper trailhead for the Ash Creek Trail starts at the Columbine Visitor Center (9300 ft) 25 miles or so from the 366 turn off. Graham One summit, zero red squirrels. But, it is a desired climb due to its prominence and status as a county highpoint. Graham is southern Arizona’s highest mountain, and a county highpoint. Graham mountain bike trail map.