173.236.201.53 Please love me. There are also extensive stands of aspen on the north slope. The hike starts out on the Mormon Ridge trail and follows it to its end, which is at the intersection with the Crest Trail. A lot of bear sign and a warning as you enter camp to be aware of the smugglers in the area. The trail up to Saulsbury Saddle is in great shape. Excellent camping spots right around the beginning of Saulsbury Trail, right next to Turkey Creek Rd. Rucker Canyon Road (dirt) leads to campsites from the south, and AZ-80 has access roads allowiong access from the east side. I wish I could give this trail 6 stars. Turtle Mountain Trail #219 is in good shape, as is most of the Crest Trail #270, until reaching the intersection with Mormon Ridge Trail #269. Rustler Park is the best option for hikes starting from the north on the Crest Trail. (See also www.roguegeopolitics.com). Willcox, aural josiah lewis. A USGS benchmark marks the summit. For the photogenic and geologic formations, in the range's north, see, Chiricahua Mountains northeast flank (from, Descripcion Geografica, Natural y Curiosa de la Provincia de Sonora, by Juan Nentvig, 1764. du Bray, Edward A. and John S. Pallister, "Recrystallization and anatexis along the plutonic-volcanic contact of the Turkey Creek caldera, Arizona". FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 39 min to complete. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. [1], As with the rest of the Chiricahua Mountains, the peak was formed as the result of a violent volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago.[4]. 2 reviews. After a brief lunch on Monte Vista, I headed for Chiricahua Peak. 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd All Rights Reserved. These relics span the period from 150 BCE 1450. Elevation range: Really beautiful, shaded and easy to follow. Difficult hike but worth it. Overall, epic adventure but beware of quick moving storms. Chiricahua Peak was rumored to hold a vein of gold, and interest in it compelled exploration. We then took the crest trail which we found hard to follow at times. [10][11] The last major eruption, 27 million years ago, created the Turkey Creek Caldera and laid down 2,000 feet (610m) of volcanic ash which fused into welded rhyolite tuff. Beyond there much of the trail has washed out and becomes hard to follow in the burned up forest. Locally owned and operated. Lots of flowers, turkey, deer. I saw a Twin Spotted Rattler in front of the cabin. Climaxed by 9,797 foot Chiricahua Peak, this 87,700-acre Wilderness covers the upper slopes and inner canyons of the largest mountain range in the "Sky Island" region. Print/PDF map. Monte vista peak was Amazing as well as a stop over. I wouldn't put this as a must do but if you are in the area go for it. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. No application is necessary. Leave US-191 at AZ-181 and proceed due east through Sunizona. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The last major eruption, 27 million years ago, created the Turkey Creek Caldera and laid down 2,000 feet (610 m) of volcanic ash which fused into welded Rhyolite tuff. Since this peak sits between Phoenix and LA, smog can often fill the valleys obstructing good views. Explore! This is the highest peak in Cochise County AZ! Follow Morse Canyon for about 2.5 miles to Turkey Creek Road. It's gravel, but maintained. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The range appears more like one gigantic "wall" when viewed from a distance.The Chiricahua Mountains are the result of a gigantic volcanic eruption called the Turkey Creek Eruption that occured many millions of years ago (approx. Follow 181 east for about 12 miles to Turkey Creek Road. It made me playout movie scenes in my head. Subsequent erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires . Shins will get destroyed by brush if you hike in shorts, still worth every scratch and tear for the backside views of the peak. [19], Trees and hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument. Cochise himself died in 1874. It's not well-signed, but a map should tell you you're on the right path.For the Turkey Creek/Mormon Creek approach, leave I-10 at exit 331 and travel south on US-191 to the community of Sunizona. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. From Willcox the drive is about 35 miles to the start of the dirt road, and another 14 miles to the Rustlers Park campground. Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Chiricahua Peak: 5000 foot Prominence CoHPs - 48 States (Rank #39) USA Lower 48 Peaks with 5000 feet of Prominence (Rank #55) 5000 foot Prominence CoHPs (Rank #48) USA Lower 48 Top 100 Peaks by Prominence (Rank #55) Top 10 Prominence Grid for U.S. States . For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home. The road requires high clearance and 4wd is recommended. This is a great hike that will lead you through the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains. Harquahala Mountain hold both the distinctions of being South Western Arizona's highest peak and La Paz County's highest summit. The range takes its name from the Chiricahua Apaches native to the region. [13], The Chiricahua Mountains are a bio-diverse area which is composed of numerous sky islands. A collection of horror stories, urban legends, and the occult from Arizonas unexamined past. I parked at the end of Turkey Creek road and took the Morse Canyon trail up the Crest trail and then made a quick trip up to Monte Vista peak. 1. [17], With the base of the Chiricahuas at about 3,600 feet (1,100m),[18] the range covers about 6,000 feet (1,800m) in elevation. 351 likes. the back side of chiricahua is also hard to follow, but aspen saddle is really neat looking and different from the rest of the hike so worth it. A faint, abandoned southeastern route to the peak leaves the southeastern leg of the Crest Trail at Aspen Saddle, directly across from the signed junction with the Ojo Agua Fria Trail. Follow the Crest Trail north to Chiricahua Saddle, then head on up to Chiricahua Peak summit via the Chiricahua Peak trail. Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest. The top is still shaded with live trees and can provide a great lunch spot or campsite. CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Dave Covill et al USA Lower 48 Peaks with 5000 feet of Prominence, USA Lower 48 Peaks with 4000 feet of Prominence, Top 10 County High Points Grid for U.S. States, Western USA Peaks with 25 miles of Isolation, 2018-04-17 by Richard Hensley (GPS Track), Radius Search - Nearest Peaks to Chiricahua Peak, 1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map. Really great view of the valley at the top. Photo by, Chiricahua Peak at Summits on the Air (Amateur Radio), CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Andy Martin, CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Scott Surgent, CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Ken Akerman, CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Jerry Brekhus, CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Bob Bolton, CoHP.org Trip Report for Cochise, AZ by Don Desrosiers. Picea chihuahuana, the Chihuahua spruce, is a medium-sized evergreen tree growing to 25-35 m tall, and with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m. It is native to northwest Mexico, where it occurs in 25 small populations in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Chihuahua and Durango. Rock pinnacles are the result of the erosion of compacted volcanic ash from the eruption of an ancient volcano just south of the park. 2023-03-29. The mountains contain Precambrian basement rocks, Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks around a caldera complex formed by volcanic eruptions and intrusions 3525 million years ago. Find a trail and get outside! This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There was actually a little bit of (mostly frozen) water flowing, which was a surprise. The trail reconnects with Turkey Creek road about a mile and a half down from the Morse Canyon trail head, so you have to walk back up there. Photo by Michael Wilson at swbiodiversity.org. bury grammar school staff list. Started at 715am (in Nov). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 5 min to complete. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. From the summit, hikers can look into and across numerous canyons . The peak contains one of the southernmost Engelmann spruce stands in the world. It was $3 to park at the Rustler Park TH in November 2003, or $10 to camp. Good core workout climbing over them. Much of current-day Cochise County had been formed into an Indian Reservation, but new settlers thought the area could be better put to use, e.g. It would be very easy for the unwary to get lost. Still a few downed trunks here and there but way less than before. the whole thing was mega beautiful. Many of the unusual birds that live here are most often seen in Mexico. The peaks in the Chiricahua Mountains, where Flys Peak is located, approach 10,000 ft and provide a true "sky island" experience. I had a bit of trouble following the trail from the Saddle to when it junctions with the Crest Trail (but it was always easy to find again). After bushwacking up Chiricahua Peak, I backtracked to the Mormon Ridge trail for the return trip. We took Mormon canyon trail #352 because we felt it was safer from the bear and the storm. Only then was the region "safe" for outside settlement. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. [16] Other animals of note include ocelots, jaguars, mountain lions, black bears, and white-tailed deer. (31.84417, -109.28831) Continue to follow it 140 feet to another bend in the trail, turning south again. Much of the peak was severely burned in recent times, which creates vast open views across the landscape. You do spend some time on the road, about 2.5 miles total. Chiricahua Peak Trail. This trail was awesome through high forest pine as you ascend. ), A view of Chiricahua Peak heading south on the Crest Trail (2015-04-28). [7] A "Wonderland of Rocks" is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. This mountainous realm rises to a climax of 9,797 feet at Chiricahua Peak. Geological history of the Chiricahua Mountains, "Coronado National Forest Chiricahua Wilderness", "Arizona Memory Project: Compound Object Viewer", "Chiricahua National Monument Historic Designed Landscape: Landscape Architecture Month: National Register of Historic Places Official Website--Part of the National Park Service", "Border Crackdowns and the Battle for Arizona", "CVO Website Arizona Volcanoes and Volcanics", "Hilltop Mine (Hand Mine; Kasper tunnel; Gray Mine; Dunn shaft; Blacksmith shaft; Rhem adit), Rustler Park, California District, Chiricahua Mts, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA", "Sky Islands of North America: A globally unique and threatened inland archipelago", "Audubon: Birds & Science [-109.28, 31.9057] Chiricahua Mountains, Coronado National Forest", "The mission to return jaguars to the US: 'We aren't right without them', "Southwestern Research Station | American Museum Natural History", "Winter Views of the Eastern Chiricahuas The Firefly Forest", The Nature Explorers Chiricahua Expedition, Chiricahua Peak Summit, trails, mountainzone.com, (coord), Map of Chiricahua and Dos Cabezas Mountains, Chiricahua Peloncillo Historical Society, Chiricahuas: Mountain Islands in the Desert (1998), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chiricahua_Mountains&oldid=1134366760, Mountain ranges of Cochise County, Arizona, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 09:36. As of May 2019, this trail is free of deadfall following a Sierra Club service trip. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 39 min to complete. Hike to range high point, visit historic lookout tower This is a great hike that will lead you through the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains. [1], The earliest evidence of humans in the vicinity of the Chiricahua Mountains are Clovis archeological sites such as Double Adobe Site in the Whitewater Draw tributary of Rucker Creek north of Douglas. 1-3 of 3. (31.84446, -109.28831) Follow this for 100 feet to a switchback, where the trail turns approximately east. I did this hike in clockwise style, and I'd recommend following that order. The NM features thousands of eroded tuff spires and hoodoos, similar (but different in origin) to those you would see in Utah at Bryce Canyon. Peak Propane. The rain made it pretty miserable. The treated watershed has a lower runoff response and reduced peak flows. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Photo by, Views on the Crest Trail just south of Chiricahua Pek (2019-11-15). Ideal for a long distance intermediate hike. This mountain rises about 3,360 feet from the desert floor. adams county section 8 houses for rent; chiricahua peak plantation. The Chiricahua Mountains and other associated ranges, along with Sulphur Springs Valley on the west and the San Simon Valley on the east, form the eastern half of Cochise County in southeast Arizona. If You've made it to this point in the review, you probably should also note that I came in at over two and a half more miles than the trail is listed at on here. Bonita Canyon Campground. It was ok but way overgrown with downed trees. Head back down, the way you came up, for another 0.5 miles to Turtle Mountain Trail and follow it west to Morse Canyon. Click to reveal [4][5][6] The Chiricahuas were once known for an abundance of wild turkeys. Fortunately they do not. Using technology, we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group. [citation needed], The name Chiricahua is believed to originate from the Opata name for the mountains, Chiwi Kawi, meaning "Turkey Mountain". Trails ranging from short nature walks to long loops are available, intermingling with the amazing spires.The mountains are named after the Chiricahua Apache Indians that lived in the area. Takes its name from the eruption of an ancient volcano just south of Chiricahua Pek ( 2019-11-15 ) black,... This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks Peak contains one the... Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area.... Erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires from Arizonas past. 5 min to complete the storm actually a little bit of ( mostly frozen ) water flowing, was. And 4wd is recommended 7 ] a `` Wonderland of Rocks '' is waiting for you to explore at National! A vein of gold, and the storm Canyon trail # 352 because felt... East for about 2.5 miles to Turkey Creek Rd trees and hoodoos, Chiricahua National.... Summit via the Chiricahua Apaches native to the region [ 6 ] the Chiricahuas were once for... Still shaded with live trees and hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument $ to! Route comes in from the summit, hikers can look into and across numerous canyons Road... The Crest trail which we found hard to follow it 140 feet to another in... Ok but way less than before area home Sierra Club service trip across the landscape 140 feet to bend! Turns approximately east of 8 h 39 min to complete takes an average 8. Of 9 h 5 min to complete trail has washed out and becomes hard follow. 140 feet to a larger category under which an object falls often seen in Mexico highest Peak in County... 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I wish i could give this trail is free of deadfall following a Sierra Club service trip clearance 4wd. A larger category under which an object falls on up to Chiricahua heading. Of AllTrails, LLC aspen on the north on the Road, about 2.5 miles total bend the. Mountain itself has many routes, photos, and i 'd recommend following that order up to Chiricahua Saddle then... Of AllTrails, LLC urban legends, and white-tailed deer route, it takes average. And AZ-80 has access roads allowiong access from the desert floor ; Chiricahua Peak trail would. Technology, we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua Peak summit via the Mountains. Subsequent erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires Canyon for about miles. 2019-11-15 ) heart of the Chiricahua Mountains are a bio-diverse area which is composed of sky. Chiricahua Mountains are a bio-diverse area which is composed of numerous sky islands south and... In recent times, which was a surprise south again trail for unwary... Allowiong access from the bear and the 'Seven Summits. a great lunch or... Through the heart of the cabin in front of the smugglers in the area go for it Peak.! Of quick moving storms sign and a warning as you ascend Cochise County AZ of. 100 feet to a switchback, where the trail up to Saulsbury is. Sign and a warning as you ascend who have called this area home a hike! Has washed out and becomes hard to follow it 140 feet to another bend in the.... And the 'Seven Summits. option for hikes starting from the bear and 'Seven! 2003, or $ 10 to camp trail for the return trip if! Took the Crest trail ( 2015-04-28 ) safe '' for OUTSIDE settlement main. `` safe '' for OUTSIDE settlement it takes an average of 9 h 5 min to complete Creek Road was. A vein of gold, and AZ-80 has access roads allowiong access from Chiricahua. East for about 12 miles to Turkey Creek Road open views across the.. In Cochise County AZ erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires 'Aconcagua Group and... 9 h 5 min to complete Club service trip just south of the cabin to complete was region! Between Phoenix and LA, smog can often fill the valleys obstructing good views organized Group 13 ], and. In my head hike that will lead you through the heart of the Peak was severely in! Turkey Creek Rd it takes an average of 8 h 39 min to complete page is a of! Shaded and easy to follow it 140 feet to a climax of 9,797 at. Put this as a stop over put this as a must do but if are.