bacquito - 10-30-2011 at 08:32 PM
My stepson and I recently attempted to climb Picacho Peak about 20 miles north of Yuma. Picacho is an abondoned gold mine eatablished about 1875, and
is a monolith of volcanic origin. We were unsuccessful in our climb due to the infamous "crack". However there were some positive results such as I
now recognize that I am a hiker but no a mountain climber! Thought I would share some photos.
A view of Picacho from the south.
Picacho from the northwest. Note there are two picachos-an east and west peak. The east is tallest. It appears that perhaps sometime ago there was but
one peak but it split due to some instability-earthquake?
The Colorado River from Picacho peak
[IMG] easthttp://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk96/bacquito/021.jpg[/IMG]
Climbing Picacho
The "Crack" stopped us.
Picacho summit
DianaT - 10-30-2011 at 08:59 PM
Nice, very nice! Thanks
Barry A. - 10-30-2011 at 09:31 PM
Awesome mountain---------and a killer for sure.
WE tried that mountain back in the late '70's and did not get nearly as high as you did before we chickened out. Well done. That is really rugged
country, for sure.
Great shots!!!!
Barry
Marc - 10-31-2011 at 06:27 AM
Without roping up the decent on something like this is dangerous.
Looks like you had a bit of fun.
Wow, memories...
vgabndo - 10-31-2011 at 01:37 PM
In about 1961 my father, who was Chief Ranger out of Half Moon Bay for the 50 miles of beaches of the Sonoma Coast State Parks, was transferred to
Picacho when it was still completely occupied by squatters who had been living on the land for a long time. There must have been something about my
old man that I didn't recognize, but somehow he managed to get everyone off the land, and build a State Park there, without violence or too much bad
blood. I've spent a lot of time in that desert, the mine is real new, and had some remarkable times. There used to be outstanding bass fishing in the
lakes off the river that could only be reached by "secret" canals. LOTS of waterskiing.
Yeah, a neat place. Known to gringos as Peak Peak.
Oso - 10-31-2011 at 01:52 PM
When we moved here 11 years ago, the mine was in operation and there was controversy about the use of cyanide and opposition from the Quechan. It may
still be that way. Nice part of the river.
I'm not proud of what I did for the Quechan.
vgabndo - 10-31-2011 at 02:58 PM
While attending AWC one of my three part time jobs was to close the Hub Liquor Store in Winterhaven. I sold a lot of 37 cent pints and 73 cent fifths
for exact change. 