Deadman’s Dome

(Peak 6027)- 34.92338, -111.84748

Distance: 5 miles + 1,500’ Duration: 4-6 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Class 3 - 5 - Some exposed scrambling on steep terrain

Adventure Type: Out and back hike

Overview- The hike to the summit of peak 6027 A.K.A. Deadman’s Dome, is a technical hike on steep terrain, mixed with exposure. There are many ways to summit the dome, and I have provided two options that range from class 3-4 to easy class 5. Deadman’s Dome is one my personal favorites, offering up 5-star views, and some of the best red rock scramblin’ around.

Driving- Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead. An alternate parking option would be to start at Long Canyon Trailhead.

Hike Description- From Boynton Canyon Trailhead, hike .01 miles to the first junction with Deadman’s Pass. Take a right at the junction and continue on Deadman’s for one mile, passing a sandstone amphitheater (Deadman’s Descent) and fin-shaped ridge (Deadman’s Spine) on your left or western side. Just past the fin, locate the turnoff on the left side of the trail. A series of braided social trails will lead up to the base of the spine. Work your way up to the slabs and contour the narrow ledges to the bottom of the 4th class crack. Stem, wiggle, and squirm your way up the 35’ crack to flatter ground. The crack can be bypassed by contouring a short distance west to a “slabby” class 3 ramp.

Continue scrambling up the ridge on steep class 4 terrain until you arrive at the next obstacle. Mantle up onto the last of the red rock layer. To continue to the summit, scramble up the coconino. The Southern or left faces offer up more challenging 5th class lines to the summit. While the right, or northern side is a bit brushier but provides class 3 to 4 terrain, ideal for the return from the summit. You might be able to find an old summit jar up top to record your recent achievement.

Enjoy the views up top before taking the class 3/4 northern route back down and returning the way you came.