Picketpost Mountain, Superior Arizona

The trail pretty much follows the shadowline

Picketpost has been on my list for a couple years now.  I finally made it out and hiked to the top of this fortress shaped mountain in Superior, Arizona.  I would not recommend this trail for the casual hiker,  as it gains 1,990 feet in elevation in 2 miles with exposed ledges and some scrambling.   The trail starts out simple enough and then heads up through a chute leading to the flat top of Picketpost.  This trail has a steep ascent and exposed ledges in some locations. That being said, this was a great hike that I enjoyed immensely.  The biggest challenge for me was avoiding all of the cactus as the trail is not very maintained.

In the photo to the left the trail pretty much follows the shadow line to the top of the mountain. 

Most of the trail is this slippery gravel surface

To locate the trail drive east on the US 60 from Apache Junction towards Superior,.   At approximately mile post 221 look for the sign directing you to the PicketPost Trail on your right (south).  Take this road and follow it past an old windmill.  The road will T shortly,  turn left follow to the end to the trailhead.  The drive is only a few minutes from the highway.  Upon exiting I followed the old jeep trail through the gate for about .5 miles.  The road stays to the right of the dry stream bed for about .5 miles.  Look for a cairn that marks the trail leading across the dry stream bed towards Picketpost Mountain to the left.  Follow this trail directly towards the mountain.  The trail then begins to gradually climb at this point in the lower foothills of picketpost.  Pay attention to the rocks in this area, there are beautiful quartz shards scattered all over the area.  Follow the trail up the side of the hill, which was burned out from a fire a while back.  The trail then crosses over a small ravine and you are on the side of Picketpost Mountain.  From here the trail heads pretty much straight up the side of the mountain with a few switchbacks.

The Chute

As you head up the trail you will have a few sections requiring you to scramble up and over rocks, the trail will lead to your right toward the long chute.  This is the route up the mountain.  As you near the chute be careful of your footing.  The hardest section is here as you have to scramble over several rocks and a few are exposed ledges.  Follow the cairned trail and faded paint arrows up the chute.  Several trails branch off but my recommendation is to stay on the trail to the left.  Once you get up this rocky section you will have a steep section full of cacuts and slippery loose rocks leading up to the black cliffs directly above you.  Again use the trail to your left as it makes for a less steep ascent.   At this point you are near the top, continue up the trail and you will shortly be on top of the mountain.  Keep following the trail all the way across the top of the mountain to a small rocky hill.

Another view of the Chute

On top of this is the summit and a mailbox where you can sign in to register your accomplishment. The view from up here is great.  You are rewarded with  a 360 degree view of the desert below.  On a clear day you can see all the way to Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, the Superstitions, Four Peaks, and to the south Mt. Lemmon above Tucson.  In my opinion the descent on this trail is much more challenging as the trail is covered in loose rock which is difficult to gain your footing on in some sections.  Make sure of your footing and take your time on your way back down to avoid any falls.  Remember when you are near the steep black cliffs to stay on the trail that leads the farthest to your right as you did on the way up.  As this will be a less steep descent before you enter the chute.  I hiked this trail out and back in 4 hours taking my time to enjoy the hike and the view on top.

Length: 4.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,990 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Season: Fall, Winter, Spring
Kids: Not recommended under 12 and only if they really enjoy hiking and are not afraid of heights
Fee: None
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Note: Exposed ledges, heights and loose rock
Gear: Hiking shoes with excellent traction