01-27-2008 Four Peaks Wilderness Area

The 4 peaks trail traverses over a portion of the Mazatzal Mountain Range. The geological features contain beautiful views of lush Sonoran desert accompanied by unique rock outcroppings and decomposing granite.  As you climb you will notice a very diverse ecosystem from desert to arid grassland shading to brushy thickets, to ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest.

The mountain is home to the famous Amethyst Mine located at the end of a steep and rocky foot trail. The mine yielded brilliantly colored amethyst crystals. Spanish explorers who passed through the region in the 1500's are believed to have gathered amethyst from this location; some of which made its way into the Spanish crown jewels.           

The trail itself is mostly graded roads and should be passable by most any vehicle. From start to finish the trail was only around 4 hours giving plenty of room to stop and look at the sights. The rainy conditions and fog make it hard to see and more difficult to traverse.

Despite the weather I really enjoyed the run and the company of all you crazy wheelers which included:

Pirate Queen
AZGoldenEagle
Candi_Medic1
Freddie
Coma
RyanGibson