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- Mount Graham
10,724 ft · Pinaleño Mountains, Arizona
Mount Graham
Mount Graham is a 10,724 ft peak in the Pinaleño Mountains, Arizona. The standard route is the High Peak Road Route: 9 mi, 1,572 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Graham at a glance
- Elevation10,724 ft3,268 m
- RouteHigh Peak Road RouteClass 1
- Distance9 mi1,572 ft gain
- Time4 – 5 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangePinaleño MountainsArizona
Climbing the High Peak Road Route
From Safford, Arizona, take the Swift Trail (AZ-366) up into the Pinaleno Mountains toward the High Peak area; the upper road is seasonal and sometimes gated, so check status. A short Class 1 route reaches the forested summit region near the observatory, though true summit access can be restricted, so respect posted signs. This sky island rises far above the desert, so expect quick storms, wind, and cold summit air even on hot days. Carry layers and water, start early, and enjoy the cool conifer forest. Loose rock and rapidly changing weather are the main things to watch.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Cold summit conditions
- Dry conditions
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Graham
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Graham?
Mount Graham is 10,724 feet (3,268 m) tall. It is in the Pinaleño Mountains, Arizona.
How hard is it to hike Mount Graham?
The High Peak Road Route is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 1,572 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Graham?
Most people take 4 – 5 hours round trip on the High Peak Road Route, covering 9 miles with 1,572 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Graham?
The High Peak Road Route needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 1,572 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Mount Graham?
The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Graham?
The High Peak Road Route starts at about 9,190 feet, roughly 1,534 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Graham with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list