Mt. Zircon, Peru

I am sure the views are stunning from the top of this 2,240-foot mountain, but when I reached the open ledgy summit, I got caught in a rain squall and could see nothing but clouds and the droplets of water running down my glasses. If you start this hike from South Rumford Road, the distance to the peak is about 2.8 miles, the majority of which (2.1 miles) is along an old dirt road that climbs gradually. Along the way you pass a former spring house (at 1.5 miles) and a pipe gushing with potable mountain stream water off to the right side of the road. The footpath to the summit is about 0.6 miles farther along this road, on the left.

Although there are a few minor tracks joining the main route along the way, the main road is easy to discern and follow. If you have a high-clearance car, it’s possible (?) you can drive up this road (if the gate at the bottom is open) to get closer to the start of the footpath. Once you arrive at the footpath, which is marked with a homemade sign, it’s approximately 0.7 miles to the summit. This section of the hike is steep and rocky.

Update: My friend hiked Zircon in October, 2021, confirming fabulous views and a relatively hike to see them!

Directions: The trailhead is off South Rumford Road, on the south side, about 62 feet from the junction of South Rumford Road and Hall Hill Road. You can park off to the side at the bottom of the road here, or, if you have a sturdy vehicle, drive up this road to the spring house.