Hike to Signal Peak at Kofa

Yuma County, Arizona

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Details

Distance

3 miles

Elevation Gain

2100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Scott Sichler

A hike to the highest point in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge with sweeping 360 degree views.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge near Quartzsite, Arizona is a must see when visiting the area. The refuge encompasses over 600,000 acres with a large population of bighorn sheep. One of the most prominent features are the Kofa Mountains and the towering 4,877 foot Signal Peak.

I followed the GPS coordinates from this site, starting at the mouth of Ten Ewe Canyon along Kofa Queen Canyon road. This is a high clearance 4X4 unpaved road. Most vehicles can probably make it to entrance of Kofa Queen Canyon if you want to hike to the start. The trail to Signal Peak is not a formally maintained trail but a faint trail left by other hikers, GPS, and rock cairns make it possible to reach the top. Although it's only about 1.5 miles up, it's a very stiff 2,100 feet elevation gain. The terrain is very rough and the footing is often loose rock.

I didn't see any of the resident bighorn sheep but spotted numerous tracks and droppings. After almost two hours of hiking/climbing I reached the top. The views are definitely spectacular and worth the effort.

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