Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
Pinkley Peak
NPS Photo/ B Burnett
Quick Facts
Location:
4 miles (6.4 kilometers) on the North Puerto Blanco Drive, on the left
Significance:
The tallest peak in the Puerto Blanco Mountains and a prime example of the volcanic geology of the area
Amenities
8 listed
Benches/Seating, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting
The colorful Pinkley Peak is the highest peak in the Puerto Blanco Mountains, rising 3,146 feet (959 meters) above sea level. This peak is named in honor of Frank “Boss” Pinkley, who was superintendent of all of the Southwestern national monuments from 1924 until 1939.
Nestled near the base of the peak are accessible restrooms and a shaded picnic area. Take in the stunning views of the peak and the Ajo mountains in the distance.
The Puerto Blanco Mountains are a mix of lava flows and hardened volcanic ash created during the volcanic activity of the Tertiary period, 15-25 million years ago. Pinkley Peak is one of the best exposures of these volcanic rocks anywhere in the monument, prominently displaying bands of rhyolite and tuff.
No official monument trails lead to the top of Pinkley Peak.
He went on to become the superintendent of the Southwestern National Monuments. Pinkley administered 27 national monuments across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. He was excitedly planning the development of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at the time of his death in 1940. "The Boss," as Pinkley was affectionately known, left an extraordinary legacy. Pinkley wrote monthly essays and articles to his staff, which were compiled into the collection, Ruminations from the Boss. The interesting, often humorous essays written by Pinkley revealed his uncanny ability to explain, instruct, and entice his fellow Park Rangers in a fatherly way.
Nestled near the base of the peak are accessible restrooms and a shaded picnic area. Take in the stunning views of the peak and the Ajo mountains in the distance.
The Puerto Blanco Mountains are a mix of lava flows and hardened volcanic ash created during the volcanic activity of the Tertiary period, 15-25 million years ago. Pinkley Peak is one of the best exposures of these volcanic rocks anywhere in the monument, prominently displaying bands of rhyolite and tuff.
How to get there
Pinkley Peak picnic area is 4 miles up North Puerto Blanco Drive on the left. The road to Pinkley Peak picnic area is a two-way, graded dirt road, doable in any passenger car. Beyond the picnic area, North Puerto Blanco road is one-way and requires a 4WD high clearance vehicle.No official monument trails lead to the top of Pinkley Peak.
Frank Pinkley
(C.E. 1881- C.E. 1940)
Archaeologist, Park Ranger, & NPS Regional Superintendent
He went on to become the superintendent of the Southwestern National Monuments. Pinkley administered 27 national monuments across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. He was excitedly planning the development of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at the time of his death in 1940. "The Boss," as Pinkley was affectionately known, left an extraordinary legacy. Pinkley wrote monthly essays and articles to his staff, which were compiled into the collection, Ruminations from the Boss. The interesting, often humorous essays written by Pinkley revealed his uncanny ability to explain, instruct, and entice his fellow Park Rangers in a fatherly way.