Diaz Peak, Arizona, January 2023

On Saturday morning, January 28, I left Tucson and drove west to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. My goal was to climb Diaz Peak. Diaz Peak lies immediately south of Mount Ajo in the Ajo Range. Diaz Peak has 1501 feet of topographic prominence, making it the 153rd most prominent peak in Arizona. It also has a rocky and complex structure. I hoped the GPS track provided by Matthias would guide me as I climbed to the summit.

Diaz Peak from the crest of a ridge, the summit is left of center above a sunlit ramp
Diaz Peak from the crest of a ridge, the summit is left of center above a sunlit ramp

I drove the Ajo Mountain Drive past Mount Ajo and parked off the road at Stop #15. It was later in the morning than I had expected and Diaz Peak looked far away across the desert. So I set a tentative turnaround time for myself. It was going to be a close call as to whether I would be able to summit by then.

Diaz Peak from the desert floor
Diaz Peak from the desert floor

I hiked directly towards the peak and studied its northwest face as I weaved around brush and cacti and across shallow washes. Eventually I realized Matthias’s track led to the left of the large cliffs facing me, gaining a high saddle northwest of the summit ridge.

Climbing towards the ramp leading to the high saddle
Climbing towards the ramp leading to the high saddle
Climbing through dry grass and over loose rocks towards the upper saddle
Climbing through dry grass and over loose rocks towards the upper saddle

I climbed onto and followed a slope leading upwards and arrived at the high saddle.My turnaround time was approaching, but I decided to at least explore higher.

The NW Ridge from the upper saddle, with the summit high above to the right
The NW Ridge from the upper saddle, with the summit high above to the right

I left my hiking poles and climbed a rocky slope towards the summit. There were a few spots with exposure, but the rock was firm with many foot and hand holds. The the climbing was secure and fun. Occasionally I left a cairn to help me find my descent route later.

I climbed the false summit above through a shaded alcove on the left
I climbed the false summit above through a shaded alcove on the left
The summit of Diaz Peak from the false summit
The summit of Diaz Peak from the false summit

Higher I climbed through an alcove to gain the top of a rocky summit candidate. From there I finally saw the actual summit further ahead. It was my turnaround time, but I was too close now to turn back.

The last few feet to the summit of Diaz Peak
The last few feet to the summit of Diaz Peak

I followed the narrow ridge leading towards the summit and was stopped by cliffs below me. Eventually I found a route down through the cliffs. I looked back to ensure I could find the route back up the cliff on my return, then continued climbing towards the summit. Near the top I crossed slabs with sharp-edged exfoliated sheets of rock that crinkled beneath me as I climbed over them.

The Diaz Peak summit and registry container
The Diaz Peak summit and registry container

Soon I arrived at the summit of Diaz Peak. It was time for a belated lunch and rest. I found the summit registry and added my name.

Mount Ajo from the Diaz Peak summit
Mount Ajo from the Diaz Peak summit
The Mesquite Mountains on the right and distant Baboquivari Peak on the left from Diaz Peak
The Mesquite Mountains on the right and distant Baboquivari Peak on the left from Diaz Peak

Then I took some photos. I admired the view of Mount Ajo, which I had climbed nearly seven years earlier. To the southeast I viewed the Mesquite Mountains, which I climbed some four years earlier with Matthias, Scott, and Michael. Baboquivari Peak rose on the distant horizon beyond the Mesquite Mountains.

Kino Peak beyond the Diablo Mountains from Diaz Peak
Kino Peak beyond the Diablo Mountains from Diaz Peak

Kino Peak was visible to the northwest beyond the Diablo Mountains. I hope to visit Kino Peak soon with companions. It was soon time to begin my descent off the upper mountain.

Looking down the Northwest Ridge of Diaz Peak
Looking down the Northwest Ridge of Diaz Peak
My Jeep is parked beyond the low ridge ahead
My Jeep is parked beyond the low ridge ahead

I carefully retraced my route towards the upper saddle, noting my cairns in some ambiguous spots, and retrieved my hiking poles. From there I descended slopes through dry grass, loose rocks, and occasional brushy washes to the desert floor.

Late afternoon view of Diaz Peak from the hike out across the desert floor
Late afternoon view of Diaz Peak from the hike out across the desert floor
Mount Ajo from the desert floor near sunset
Mount Ajo from the desert floor near sunset

Here the footing became better and I made better time. I paused a few times for late afternoon views and photos of the mountains and returned to my Jeep just a few minutes after sunset. It had been a surprisingly successful climb of a notable peak.

About Paul McClellan

I had the good fortune to have spent most of my life in the Pacific Northwest, where I discovered the joys and addiction of hiking and climbing in the Cascade Range and other mountain ranges in the Western United States.
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