Mazatzal Peak via Trail 120

Trail Overview

Mazatzal Peak is the highest point in the Mazatzal Mountains at 7,903 feet. The trail starts in the Sonoran Desert at 4,000 feet and climbs through five distinct life zones to reach the summit. You'll pass through saguaro desert, palo verde flats, oak woodland, ponderosa pine forest, and finally a small stand of spruce-fir at the summit. The trail is well-maintained but steep, gaining 3,900 feet in 9 miles.

This is a challenging but non-technical hike. The reward at the top is spectacular: 360-degree views from the Superstition Mountains to the north, the Superstition Wilderness to the east, and the Sonoran Desert stretching to the horizon. The summit is a rocky knob with a fire lookout foundation.

Water is the primary concern. There are seasonal springs along the trail, but they're unreliable. You must carry all water needed - minimum 1 gallon per person for a day hike.

Trail Milestones

What It's Really Like

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from over 400 reviews, Mazatzal Peak is consistently called the most rewarding summit hike in central Arizona. Reviewers love the dramatic life zone transitions, the panoramic views, and the sense of accomplishment.

The first half climbs through desert scrub and oak woodland. The trail is well-maintained and shaded by oaks. You'll pass through stands of alligator juniper, Arizona madrone, and emory oak. The air gets cooler and moister with each switchback.

The second half enters pine forest and alpine meadows. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed. The summit is a rocky knob with a stone fire lookout ruin. The views are incredible: you can see the Superstition Mountains, the Four Peaks, and on clear days, the San Francisco Peaks 100+ miles to the north.

Insider tip from reviewers: Start before 6 AM in summer. The lower sections are dangerously hot by mid-morning. Bring layers - it's 20-25 degrees cooler at the summit than at the trailhead.

Water & Safety

Permits & Regulations

History & Lore

Mazatzal Peak was once home to a fire lookout, and the stone ruins of the lookout cabin still stand. The lookout was used from the 1930s through the 1960s to spot wildfires in the Mazatzal Mountains. The name "Mazatzal" comes from the Nahuatl word for "place of the deer."

The Mazatzal Mountains are one of Arizona's most biodiverse Sky Islands. The range is home to over 250 species of birds, including Mexican chickadee, painted redstart, and elegant trogon. The mountains also support black bears, mountain lions, and javelina.

The range was once home to extensive mining operations in the late 1800s. The ghost town of Mazatzal City sits on the north slope, and the ruins of mines and mills are scattered throughout the range.