Peak 2546 lies south of Peak 2573 which I climbed a year ago, both being along the Peralta Trailhead Road from US-60, southeast of Apache Junction. I was surprised to learn of a new park, the Peralta Regional Park, being put in that includes this peak. It's new as of 2023, and so far, includes graded roads, lots of camping spots, picnic tables and ramadas, and gobs of trails.

I set out spur of the moment to check it out, hoping to bag Peak 2546. As I drove in, it becomes clear Peak 2546 is surrounded by cliffs. Nevertheless, I drove to the farthest trailhead (the Desperado Trailhead) and followed that trail south, then east, then north, then west and southwest, catching the North Star Trail, which goes toward the peak.

The North Star Trail leads to a Scenic Overlook just below the base of the summit cliffs. I could not see a feasible way up these cliffs from this approach, so I was happy to get as far as I did. The trails are excellent and I recommend them. No one knows about this park yet except for the Canadians. The other two cars in the trailhead lot had Canadian plates.

I will return. Maybe I'll explore more about this peak and look around its othr sides, and there's also other peaks I want to explore.

Peak 2546 from Peralta Road

Closer view

As seen from the Desperado Trail

Getting closer

View of peaks to the south

SUmmit cliffs

Walls from this viewpoint

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