Location and surroundings
Weaver Peak lies in the Weaver Mountains, part of the Prescott Area in the Northwest Arizona Ranges, within the Southwest Basins and Ranges of the Intermountain West and the wider North American Cordillera. It is in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. At 1,977 m, it is the highest of the 14 named peaks in its range and the range high point.
The mountain rises above a dry, rugged upland landscape typical of central Arizona, with rocky slopes, scattered vegetation and broad views across surrounding hills and basins. In this part of the state, access and travel are usually shaped more by heat, exposure and rough ground than by snow or glaciers.
Neighbouring peaks
Nearby summits and passes help place Weaver Peak in the local landscape:
- Rocky Boy Peak — 1,879 m, 1.5 km SE
- Ritter Peak — 1,716 m, 4.6 km NW
- Genung Mountain — 1,417 m, 10.8 km SE
- Parker Mesa — 1,479 m, 10.9 km E
- Yavapai Peak — 1,254 m, 11.0 km N
- Antelope Peak — 1,760 m, 14.4 km SE
- Hillside Peak — 1,272 m, 14.7 km NW
- Kirkland Peak — 1,696 m, 15.9 km NE
Weaver Peak is higher than all of these neighbours, including Rocky Boy Peak, which is the closest and the nearest high point at 1,879 m. The surrounding peaks are mostly lower and spread across the same ridge-and-basin terrain.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include Martin Mountain at 1,960 m, 22.1 km north of Weaver Peak. Other notable high points are Rich Hill (1,629 m, 19.4 km SE), Blowout Mountain (1,620 m, 18.4 km SE), Round Mountain (1,601 m, 20.9 km SE), Wild Horse Mesa (1,563 m, 24.0 km SE) and McCloud Mountains (1,503 m, 18.0 km NW).
From the summit, these higher and lower ridges define the local skyline and show how Weaver Peak sits near the top of its own mountain group but below Martin Mountain in the wider area.
The range
Weaver Peak belongs to the Weaver Mountains, whose high point is this same summit. The range has 14 named peaks, and Weaver Peak ranks first by elevation among them. The range is part of the Prescott Area in central Arizona and sits within the broader chain of the North American Cordillera.
Because the sources identify Weaver Peak as the range high point, it is the main elevation reference for the Weaver Mountains. And the mountain defines the top of this small but distinct Arizona range.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warm in summer and cool in winter. The warmest month is July, at about 23 °C, while the coldest is December, at about 2 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 350 mm, with the wettest month in July at about 55 mm and the driest in June at about 5 mm.
In this part of Arizona, the main weather concerns are heat, strong sun, dry air and short-lived summer storms that can bring lightning and sudden runoff. Winter conditions are usually milder than in high alpine ranges, but wind and cold nights can still affect exposed ridges.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing on average all year, Weaver Peak can be visited in many seasons, but the most comfortable periods are usually the cooler months and the drier parts of the year. The climate data show that June is the driest month, while July is the wettest, so summer outings need extra care for heat and storms.
For a day on open ridges, spring and autumn are often the easiest times to manage temperature and water needs. In midsummer, early starts are sensible; in winter, expect cooler mornings and the possibility of wind on exposed ground.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in an arid to semi-arid Arizona landscape where rocky slopes, scrub and open uplands are typical. Vegetation at this elevation in the region is usually a mix of drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses and scattered trees in sheltered places, with more exposed ground on ridges and summits.
Wildlife in such country often includes birds of prey, small mammals, reptiles and larger desert-adapted animals moving through the hills. Seasonal water is limited, so animals and plants are adapted to heat, dry air and irregular rainfall.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Weaver Peak, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful if you are unfamiliar with Arizona terrain, heat management or route-finding on rough ground. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Some peaks in the United States require registration or permits from the land agency, but no specific permit rule is given here for Weaver Peak.
Safety and preparation
Weaver Peak is a 1,977 m mountain in dry, open country, so preparation should focus on sun protection, enough water, navigation and awareness of weather changes. Heat, dehydration, loose ground and summer lightning are the main hazards to plan for, especially on exposed slopes and ridges.
For emergencies in the United States, call 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority. Carry a charged phone, but do not rely on it alone in remote terrain.
Interesting facts
Weaver Peak is the highest of the 14 named peaks in the Weaver Mountains and the range high point. The nearest higher summit listed in the wider area is Martin Mountain, 22.1 km to the north, at 1,960 m, which is slightly lower than Weaver Peak itself.
Among the nearby summits, Rocky Boy Peak is the closest at 1.5 km southeast, but it is still lower. That makes Weaver Peak the main elevation marker for its small mountain group in Yavapai County.
FAQ
How high is Weaver Peak? Weaver Peak rises to 1,977 m.
Where is Weaver Peak? It is in the Weaver Mountains of Yavapai County, Arizona, in the United States.
Is Weaver Peak the highest mountain in the Weaver Mountains? Yes. It is the highest of the 14 named peaks in the range and the range high point.
What are the nearest peaks to Weaver Peak? The closest listed summit is Rocky Boy Peak, 1.5 km to the southeast. Ritter Peak is 4.6 km northwest, and several other lower peaks lie within about 16 km.
Is there water on the way to Weaver Peak? The mountain sits in a dry Arizona landscape, so plan to carry your own supply. For a day outing, 1.5–3 litres is a sensible range depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Weaver Peak? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How is mobile phone coverage on Weaver Peak? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.