Mount Elden was the first peak I summited for the Six Pack of Peaks Arizona Summer Series. It was late Spring, and there was still a small amount of snow near the top, but nothing that was difficult to navigate. It was the first time my dogs got to experience snow, and they loved it!
It was a very chilly day with strong winds at the top, that I would estimate to be about 40-50 mph. Strong winds are typical for Spring weather on the Arizona peaks. I hiked with my husband, Ron, and our two dogs, Dharma and Faith. We didn’t stay at the top too long; just long enough to check out the views in all directions and snap a few quick pictures.
Once we got a short way down the trail the winds were not nearly as strong. We stopped about a quarter mile down to let the dogs rest, get a drink for all of us, and play around with the lens ball, trying to snap some fun pictures. Instead, I found out the hard way about the power of the lens ball and the sun, and how quickly you can get burned from the combination. I got a cool picture before I tossed it after it burned me. (I did pick it up and carry it out with me).
The trail to the lookout is currently closed for a logging project. At the time we hiked it had not yet been closed. You cannot currently hike past Sunset trailhead, which is fairly close to the lookout. The lookout was closed when we were there, so we did not get a chance to go up there on this hike. I’m sharing pictures from a previous hike of the views from the tower. If you get a chance in the future to check it out, take advantage of it. The view is breathtaking and the instruments are very fascinating.
Elden is rated as hard by Alltrails and I would agree. Trekking poles will help you as you make the 2500′ ascent up to 9300′. It is a challenging almost 6 miles long, out and back trail, and makes for a good workout. Being from the valley we are not used to climbing in altitude. The trail is a constant uphill rocky terrain, with plenty of switchbacks along the route.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow. One of my favorite parts of this hike is watching the trees change from piñon and juniper trees, then to ponderosa pines and firs, and finally a beautiful grove of aspen trees. If you ascend from the Heart Trail the aspen grove is denser and gorgeous, especially in the fall.
Parking at Elden is always a challenge. The lot is small and it fills early in the day. Even though it is difficult to park, the trail itself is not crowded. There are other trails there that folks are hiking. If you get a chance check out Fatman’s Loop if you are up for an extended hike before or after making your way up Elden. If not, come back another time and take that hike. I wanted to crawl up in the arms of the big, old, gorgeous trees along that path, and just hang out there all day.
There is no running water or restrooms at the trailhead or on the trail.
