I had driven by the high monolithic outcropping of the Mohawk Mountains, located north of Interstate Highway 8 about 50 miles east of Yuma numerous times in the past. Such a beautifully constructed mountain so close to the freeway. Each time I drove by, I would look at the various contours and gullies, figuring a way up in the future.

I exited the freeway and drove off-road just to the west of the mountain, following washed out jeep trails and parked. I began my hike to the base of the projected route and setup my tent and off-lifted some of the heavy stuff. I then began my climb up the southwesterly gully I had chosen, making my way up with surprisingly good speed.

The views to the south got better with each pitch until I reached a steep shoulder. I turned east and continued up the loose lava rock until I reached the crest. Beautiful views in every direction. The monolithic summit looked outstanding, as if watching over the land below. I took several photographs and then climbed back down to the top of the gully I had climbed up.

I took several more shots of the sunset, put my headlamp on and began the decent back down, halfway turning to darkness. A beautiful climb with sweeping views of the valleys on both sides. The following morning, I packed up camp early and hiked back to my vehicle. I drove out in the dawn hour and made my way to the east side of the range for some sunrise photographs of the mountains.

I drove to Yuma, picked up some breakfast, gas, and a Starbucks, and headed to the Palm Canyon Road in the Kofa Wilderness. I Broke off the main dirt road and traveled the 4x4 road onto and up into Kofa Queen Canyon and then to Ten Ewe Wash. Began the trail-less hike/climb up the ridge and was originally going for Ten Ewe, however the weather turned and it began to rain. I decided a safer choice and made the summit of Signal Mountain for the 2nd time. Beautiful trip!!!