Clark Peak #301

Spectacular views come one after the other as this trail winds along the spine of the Pinalenos. Clark Peak Trail follows a roller coaster course along the mountain’s high ridge northwest beyond the end of the Swift Trail (FR 803). From an elevation of 9,000 feet at the trailhead, it drops 2,000 feet to Taylor Pass and then climbs to the summit of 8,600-foot West Peak. Views alternate toward different sides of the mountain as the trail winds back and forth across the ridge. On the north and east sides of the ridge, the Gila Valley, the Santa Teresa mountains and the towns of Safford, Thatcher and Pima spread out at your feet. On south and west facing slopes, the Winchesters, the Galiuros, West Peak and the Sulphur Springs Valley stretch to the horizon. Vegetation varies from mixed conifer to oak woodland as elevation and aspect change. The trail skirts Clark Peak, and you may want to take a brief detour to the 10,022-foot summit to enjoy the view. Early on you’ll cross Hurricane Pass, so named because there’s always a strong wind blowing out of Babcock Canyon. Here the constant gale has sculpted the trees into bent and twisted shapes that bear testimony to the stress of living in such an inhospitable place. Between Hurricane Pass and the Taylor Trail #306, you will be traveling through an old burn area. The trail may be difficult to follow through the grass and shrubs. This is a long trail in rough country and, if you choose to travel it out and back, it makes a better overnighter than a day trip. Clark Peak Trail also connects with a number of other trails that lead to various access points around the mountain, but you’ll need to set up your own shuttle or have a friend pick you up if you wish to make a long one-way trip.