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Aztec Peak (7,694 ft) is the highest point in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. The fire watchtower on top of the peak gives some incredible, 100-mile views. Sierra Ancha Wilderness wraps around Aztec Peak on the east and south, dropping away into the deep canyons below. This untamed region has more deer, bears, mountain lions, and other big game than virtually any other area in Arizona. Departing from Fountain Hills, we will first make stops at Roosevelt Lake, Bridge, and Dam Vista points. You will enjoy the "Dam" bathroom! We will then travel along the very scenic Highway 288 to make a stop at Parker Point. This offers us great views of Roosevelt Lake and Four Peaks mountain range in the distance from the Salome Wilderness. Parker Point is a beautiful red rock cliffside vantage point. We will then continue to travel through the Sierra Ancha Wilderness to travel off-road to make a stop at the Workman Creek Waterfalls. The side road leading to Aztec Peak is an easy drive for the first couple of miles. After which, the trail gets narrow and hugs the cliff face as it rises through a series of hairpin turns until you reach just below the upper peak. At the summit of Aztec Peak is a Firewatch tower and an all stone Flintstones like picknick area with a large fireplace, stone chairs, and benches.
Bathrooms - There are bathrooms available during this trip once we reach the Tonto Basin community and also at Roosevelt Dam. However, you should bring TP, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer in case you need to make like a bear.
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Aztec Peak Day Trip
Itineraries
DEPART
Time to Hit the Road!
7am Depart Fountain Hills or from your Hotel. Pack a lunch, snacks, drinks (must have a cover). Hiking shoes, small backpack if hiking.
TRAVEL ON-ROAD | Roosevelt Lake
Head to Roosevelt Lake, Bridge, and Dam
We will travel on-road 79 miles (1hr:22m) first to Roosevelt Lake, Bridge, and Dam. We will stop at both of the bridge and dam vista points. You will enjoy the dam bathroom! This is entrance to the historic Apache Trail along the Upper Salt River.
PARKER POINT
Roosevelt Lake | Four Peaks Vista Points
We will again travel on-road for another 45 minutes (31miles) and make a stop at Parker Point to view Roosevelt Lake and Four Peaks from a stunning red rock vista point within the Salome Wilderness.
WORKMAN CREEK WATERFALLS
Travel to view the beautiful road side waterfalls.
We will travel another 30 minutes both on-road and off-road to stop and view the beautiful Workman Creek Waterfalls. You will have the opportunity to hike around the area of the waterfall.
AZTEC PEAK SUMMIT
Travel Off-Road to Aztec Peak
From the Workman Creek Waterfall, we will continue our beautiful off-road drive through the beautiful forest to reach the summit of Aztec Peak. There is a large stone picnic area with a number of comically large stone chairs, tables, and bench seats where we will eat lunch together.
FLINTSTONE'S LUNCH
Lunch Time on Aztec Peak
We will eat lunch together at the stone picnic area on top of Aztec peak while enjoying the majestic views of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness.
DINNER | TONTO BASIN
Optional dinner at one of the small restaurants and cafes in the Tonto Basin community.
On our way back home from Aztec Peak, after about 1-1/2 hours during our return drive, you may choose to stop and eat dinner at one of the small restaurants or cafes in the Tonto Basic community.
TRAVEL BACK FROM TONTO BASIN
On-road travel back home from Tonto Basin.
We will travel back home to Fountain Hills our your hotel from Tonto Basin. This will take us about an hour to reach home from this point.
Travel Policy
- Those who have current back or neck injuries will not be permitted to travel.
- If you are pregnant you are not permitted to travel.
- All younger passengers must be of age to fit in a regular seat. No car seats are allowed.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Prohibited Items: firearms, weapons of any kind, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any drugs.
What to Bring
- Food: You may bring a cooler for food, snacks, and drinks to enjoy during your trip.
- Drinks: All drinks must have a top that you can close to avoid spilling while on bumpy off-road trails.
- What to Wear: You should bring a jacket, sweater, or rain jacket as higher elevations will be colder and windy or in case of rain and you decide to hike.
- Hiking: If your tour includes a formal hike, please read my Hiking Essentials guide to learn how to pack for hiking.
- Swimming: If your tour requires swimming or a water hike, you will need to bring a bathing suit, water shoes, towel, and change of clothes and footwear.
- Medications: If you are taking any medications, be sure to bring them with you that you may require within a half-day’s time.
Cancellation Policy
- Private Jeep Excursions has a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to receive a refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded.
Rescheduling and Weather Policy
- You may reschedule your trip up to 48 hours in advance to book a new date with no additional charge. You can not reschedule on the same date of your trip. You will need to pay a rescheduling late fee in this case.
- PJE will not travel during dangerous storms and severe bad weather. Your tour may need to be rescheduled if mother nature is angry on your trip date.
- Rainfall is often very short and may offer the chance for you to see trail-side waterfalls. Your trip will continue as planned.
- PJE reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any tour to prevent damage to trails or avoid unsafe conditions.
- Severe Weather: If severe weather makes it so you have to cancel your trip prior to your departure, PJE will issue you a full refund.