Tucson Adventures: Peak Extravaganza Part 1

Pahgre negotiating challenging terrain.

The last year or so has brought many changes to our lives; retirement and loss of a friendship are just two of many that impacted us. We decided 2026 would be our Peak Extravaganza. Funny name. Time to focus on one of our life pursuits.

We left for Tucson on New Year's Eve day and spent the next 20 days climbing 50 peaks. We learned very early on that Pahgre would only be able to do so much. A few peaks were class 3 or above and many others presented cactus challenges. Luckily, we found a great dog sitter for those days. Pahgre did climb 28 peaks. We only used the needle-nose on a couple peaks. Mark did end up carrying Pahgre for nearly a half mile down a cactus filled slope.

Terry ascending the cable assisted slope of Picacho Peak.

Mt. Wrightson was the highest summit of the trip at 9,456 feet. We connected this peak with Mt. Ian for a 4,500 foot ascent, our most elevation gain of the trip. The good news...it was all excellent trail, so a big day like this is actually easier than almost all other peaks on this trip. 45 of 50 peaks had no trail. The cactus and sharp rock were the major obstacles.

Razorback Ridge is aptly named. It is has a short section with a "razorback" similar to Colorado's Capitol Peak's knife edge.

Teddy bear cholla cactus may look beautiful, but it turned out to be our least favorite. Ouch!!!

Our trip was beautiful and "friend-filled." We met our good friend, Kent Beverly, who joined us for four peaks, including a challenging one. We also had great fun with Darren Cook. Darren rode his bike during the day and met us for cold beverages at night. Pretty great way to start Stage One of the Extravaganza.