Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 3 min to complete. the views are amazing. Centella Point, Chiricahua Peak and Flys Peak, are within easy distance along connecting trails. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. The region came into U.S. possession after the 1853 Gadsden Purchase, but the Chiricahuas, led by Chief Cochise, fought the settlers and military off and on for many years, reaching a tenuous peace in ~1872. Thankfully, this segment wasn't too long and soon I arrived at the summit, exactly three hours after starting my hike. When it settles, it "welds" together to form tuff, which erodes easily into rounded domes and interesting spires. The background picture on this page show the rock formations that I believe are found in Chiricahua National Monument. With this ascent, I had my 11th Arizona County highpoint completed, a task I would finish a few months later. The After gathering my gear and talking with some guy camping, I hit the trail. We hiked up the easy grades, took a breakfast break, and followed the trail past Anita Springs and directly up to the summit, 3.5 miles and 2 hours after starting, in exquisite weather. Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. Not highly recommended due to the obvious, but with some improvement, it could be brought back to a well used trail. Cave Creek Canyon on the east side is home to the American Museum of Natural History Southwest Research Station and the small towns of Portal and Paradise. I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. Using technology, we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group. Nearby homes similar to 10163 E Trailhead -- have recently sold between $350K to $660K at an average of $290 per square foot. Dates: (1) February 20, 2000; (2) November 8, 2003 The hike down was quick, although the loose rocks were more treacherous as I moved downhill. From our hotel in Willcox, we followed State Route AZ-186 for 35 miles southeast toward the Chiricahua National Monument, then right (south) another 14 miles up the Pinery Canyon Road toward Onion Saddle and Rustler Park (FR-42 and FR-42D). Like my first time here, the top is wooded and blocks most views. From Tucson, proceed east by car on Interstate highway 10 to the small town of Willcox and Arizona highway 186, then follow SR 186 south for 32 miles to SR 181, which leads to the entrance. Experience this 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Rodeo, New Mexico. The range is a classic 'sky island', containing flora and fauna endemic just to that range. It is located at just a kilometre to the north of Trakiya motorway. I followed the same route as I had come up. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. First Visit, February 2000: I was here in January to hike Chiricahua Peak, intending to hike the Crest Trail from Rustler Park. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. Prominence: 661 feet A sky island is an isolated mountain range that rises up out of the surrounding desert "sea.". A talus field (with no trees) allowed for excellent views all the way down to the desert floor. Prominence: 5,139 feet The spiky plants can be a painful problem. We chose to approach the peak via the Crest Trail, with Rustler Park as our first choice but also keeping our options open depending on road conditions and other factors. Then the trail parallelled the creek on the right as one faces uphill. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous. , Chihuahuan desert scrub is characterized by shrubs such as, creosote, whitethorn acacia, sandpaper bush, and tar bush. We hiked up the easy grades, took a breakfast break, and followed the trail past Anita Springs and directly up to the summit, 3.5 miles and 2 hours after starting, in exquisite weather. I followed Turkey Creek Road into the range to the Mormon Creek trailhead area. The trail begins at the end of the Sycamore campsites off a spur from Turkey Creek Road. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. I took the "lower" one, the one literally in the creekbed (the "upper" one's trailhead is about a half-mile west of the lower's trailhead, but there is no convenient parking for that trailhead). Tons of downed trees and leaning trees, & dead trees everywhere. There are other sites in Turkey Creek and along Rucker Canyon Road. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. There are two trails that run parallel along the Mormon Creek drainage. I eased the truck down the road and from Rustler Park, we drove down to the Chiricahua National Monument. It is flat for a few hundred yards, then swings left, where a sign mentions the distance to the peak as 5 miles. Rock the Rhyolite Hike for Your Health! It is flat for a few hundred yards, then swings left, where a sign mentions the distance to the peak as 5 miles. We returned along the Crest Trail, and while en route back to Long Park we also ascended Paint Rock (9,375 feet . No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Chiricahua Peak is easy to climb, with a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters. Distance: 2 miles The weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off. The weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off. The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. My. [12] Subsequent erosion has created mountain ridges covered in stone spires and stone columns, hoodoos, that rise up out of the forest. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. They had come up the upper Mormon Creek trail and they mentioned there were good views along this route. We enjoyed ourselves and it was nice to be back, especially with B.. After about 20 minutes, we started the leisurely hike out, following the same route as we took coming up. The day was mild but cold, and snow from a recent storm still everywhere. This is a 14.6 mile loop hike with 4600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. 160.153.246.108 Elevation: 7,310 feet Led at first by Chief Cochise (for whom the county is named), and after Cochise's death, by Geronimo, the Apache, numbering just a few hundred, fought vigorously and remained at large until 1886, when Geronimo was captured. The road segment to Long Park is rough, needing 4-wheel drive, but I took it slow and we arrived at Long Park in cool, clear conditions. First Visit, February 2000: I was here in January to hike Chiricahua Peak, intending to hike the Crest Trail from Rustler Park. last edited: 10/10/16 published references on the geology of the Chiricahua Mountains *Badger, S.S., 1911, The Chiricahua Mountains: Engr. We enjoyed ourselves and it was nice to be back, especially with B.. After about 20 minutes, we started the leisurely hike out, following the same route as we took coming up. Generally, this peak can be climbed about 9 months of the year. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. Four distinct seasons. 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. Grasslands and desert cover the base of the range, with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir at the highest elevations. I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the range by 8:00 a.m. Our "hunt" had been a success. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 39 min to complete. Lots of down pines block the trail. Your IP: . [7] [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]. So here it was, a month later. Please love me. The weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off. I followed the same route as I had come up. Forests cover much of the range, and a vast network of trails and camping areas offer multitudes of possibilities for hiking, camping and exploring. It was along this stretch I encountered the first of the treefall. Kudos! Sugarloaf Peak I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. The Chiricahua Peak quadrangle includes the crest of the Chiricahua Mountains and offers unusual ecologic diversity that ranges from Sonoran desert through . Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. In any case, tensions once again rose and sporadic battles broke out. Prominence: 661 feet Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. Travel up this good hardpack/gravel road about 9 miles (roughly). Chiricahua Peak to Monte Vista Peak Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Elfrida, Arizona. Our "hunt" had been a success. Much of the peak was severely burned in recent times, which creates vast open views across the landscape. $407,000 Last Sold Price. Explore away. Past the campgrounds and trailheads at Rustler Park, we drove to the guard station buildings and found the gate to a lesser road leading to Long Park. In Chiricahua, this is an oak woodland or riparian forest. We drove the roads and took a walking tour of Faraway Ranch, the home of the Ericksons, homesteaders whose efforts led to the formation of the Chiricahua National Monument years later. The largest of the mines developed in the California district of the Chiricahua Mountains was the Hilltop mine which consisted of 3 interconnected levels totaling 6,098 metres (20,007ft). I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. Learn more about Faraway Ranch. It was so nice, I laid in the bed of my truck and took a catnap for a half-hour before packing up, changing into dry clothes and proceeding home. This includes views across the Basin and Range to Mount Lemmon, Mount Graham, and Mount Wrightson. Even Monte Vista Peak, with its marvelous vistas, is a long but manageable day trip along the Crest. Crossing these obstacles was easy at first, but soon, especially on the final approach heading south of the saddle to the peak, the quantity of deadfall was enormous. Chiricahua Peak A view of Chiricahua Peak heading south on the Crest Trail (2015-04-28). For Sale: Single Family home, $415,000, 3 Bd, 2.5 Ba, 1,764 Sqft, $235/Sqft, at 18481 E Azul Ct, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. I salvaged the day with a drive up the Coronado Highway and a visit to the Greenlee County Highpoint, plus a speeding ticket. The other notable attraction in these mountains is the Chiricahua National Monument, which features thousands of spires and "hoodoos", formed by the erosion of the tuff that resulted from the eruption. Chiricahua Peak is the highest peak of the range, but not that obvious from down below. When to Climb The best time to climb this peak would be spring or fall. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. Small cactus are present in this zone like prickly pear, cholla, barrel and hedgehog cactus. Then, I met the love of my life, married her, and we came back in November 2003 for another visit, her first time in the range. Distance: 2 miles [citation needed], The first recorded mining claim in the Chiricahua Mountains was the Hidden Treasure claim filed in 1881, and mining has continued intermittently to the present with the greatest periods of activity occurring in the 1920s and 1950s. 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. Hunters are present in Oct-Dec. Campsites are everywhere in this range and along both approach routes. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. I make my way through the burned forest It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. Near the top, a bit of ice, not a big problem. beltane edition may 1, 1984 the no-compromise environmental journal vol. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Time: 6 hours in 2000, 3 hours in 2003 Arizona We drove out to our hotel in Willcox the day before, and enjoyed some authentic Mexican food for our pre-hike dinner that night. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. Hiking info, trail maps, and 19 trip reports from Chiricahua Peak (9,759 ft) in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona Hiking info, trail maps, and 19 trip reports from Chiricahua Peak (9,759 ft) in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona Chiricahua Peak - Arizona | peakery peakery Log a climb Join/Login Log a climb Latest Peak Map Peak List FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Cindy Barks. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. AZ P1K Summer could be too hot even at this elevation and one would have to deal with frequent thunderstorms. Going up and over them was often impossible. Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. Because of this, over 1000 plant species grow within the Monument's boundary, and many are endemic only to the Chiricahua Mountains. Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 3 min to complete. We suited up and got things in order, starting the hike at 9:10 a.m. The species richness of this 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Most of the band was relocated to the San Carlos Reservation about 100 miles to the north, but a renegade faction lead by Geronimo fought a guerrilla war during 1882-1886 until he was caught and sent into internal exile. Later that afternoon, we made another 3-mile hike to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the Army set up camp to help fight the Apache Wars against Cochise and Geronimo. (3), Additions & Corrections Trees down everywhere, trail is washed out in a few places. Going up and over them was often impossible. The next day we returned to the Monument and did two hikes: a 3.5-mile loop through the Heart of Rocks and its spectacular rock formations, and a 2-mile hike up Sugarloaf Peak. Chiricahua Peak, Arizona Prominence: 5139 ft, 1567 m Elevation: 9759 feet, 2975 meters True Isolation: 64.19 mi, 103.31 km Other Photos Views on the Crest Trail just south of Chiricahua Pek (2019-11-15). If I could get us there, our hike would be relatively short. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. The prominant species include manzanita, Arizona Sycamore, alligator juniper, oaks, pines, Arizona cypress, madrone, and acacia. We chose to approach the peak via the Crest Trail, with Rustler Park as our first choice but also keeping our options open depending on road conditions and other factors. Later that afternoon, we made another 3-mile hike to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the Army set up camp to help fight the Apache Wars against Cochise and Geronimo. Washes wind through the park and flow when there is a lot of snowmelt or if there is a monsoon. Here are nine things to know before you go. The next day we returned to the Monument and did two hikes: a 3.5-mile loop through the Heart of Rocks and its spectacular rock formations, and a 2-mile hike up Sugarloaf Peak. Gain: 500 feet However, I could readily see some of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak. I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. Soaptree yucca and century plant are also common. Chiricahua does offer lots of hiking when other parts of the West are under snow. This report is not meant to replace maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items. A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route. [19], Trees and hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument. It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. Chiricahua Peak is the name of a 9,763 feet (2,976m) peak located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, located about 35 miles (56km) north of the United StatesMexico border. Western Apache (. The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. [16] Other animals of note include ocelots, jaguars, mountain lions, black bears, and white-tailed deer. Time: 1 hour Phone +1 520-824-3560. Starting along the Silver Peak Trail. Spring is the optimal time to visit, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in March to the low-80s in May. Chiricahua Mountains iv, no. The Chiricahua Peak 7lk -minute quadrangle (fig. Gain: 500 feet The day was clear and brilliant, with 200-mile views in some directions, or five-foot views into the trees. Forest fires are weird for sure. Then, I met the love of my life, married her, and we came back in November 2003 for another visit, her first time in the range. We hiked up the easy grades, took a breakfast break, and followed the trail past Anita Springs and directly up to the summit, 3.5 miles and 2 hours after starting, in exquisite weather. It was along this stretch I encountered the first of the treefall. If I could get us there, our hike would be relatively short. 8890 330 Hiking info for Chiricahua Peak via Mormon Ridge and Pole Bridge Loop, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. [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. Find a trail and get outside! I followed Turkey Creek Road into the range to the Mormon Creek trailhead area. 10766 E Secret Canyon Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. Three hundred and seventy-five avian species have been recorded from the Chiricahua Mountains; some are largely Mexican species for which southern Arizona is the northern limits of their ranges. The creek itself had running water down low, fed by springs. 2.5h up 1.5h down. Route down to the spring exists but first part is overgrown and hard to follow. It has been listed on Rocket Homes since February 28, 2023 and is currently priced at $535,000. 1/4 to 2/3 of the trail, spikes and thorns, many fallen trees, a big problem. As with the rest of the Chiricahua Mountains, the peak was formed as the result of a violent volcanic . Only after the occasional snow or in the dead of summer should one use caution. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. Conditions: Sunny and cool A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. This cavern, set in a woodland about 30 minutes outside of Huntsville, is a local favorite for photographers and cavers, but what is less known is that day hikers can access its huge walk-in. Photo: Edal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Very slow going when you have to crawl under, and over all the fallen trees. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. I took the "lower" one, the one literally in the creekbed (the "upper" one's trailhead is about a half-mile west of the lower's trailhead, but there is no convenient parking for that trailhead). The Chiricahua sky island rises about . I can tell the condition used to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this moment. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Photo by Bradley R. I tried to go underneath as often as I could, preferring not to touch or put any weight on these massive logs. Chiricahua Peak Via Mormon Canyon Trail. After a mile, the trail came to a spring and remnants of an old pump station. The ruins of a once-thriving sugarcane plantation that was burned in the Second Seminole War. Time: 1 hour Tuff hoodoos in Chiricahua National Monument (photo by que city), Images Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' After a mile, the trail came to a spring and remnants of an old pump station. All Rights Reserved. Past the campgrounds and trailheads at Rustler Park, we drove to the guard station buildings and found the gate to a lesser road leading to Long Park. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. There aren't any views from the summit, unfortunately. Originally a nomadic people, they faced severe pressures from settlers and an expansionist U.S. government in the second half of the 19th century. We chose to approach the peak via the Crest Trail, with Rustler Park as our first choice but also keeping our options open depending on road conditions and other factors. The weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off. Leave US-191 at AZ-181 and proceed due east through Sunizona. Chiricahua Mountains is a range in Coronado National Forest, Chiricahua Wilderness, Chihuahuan Desert, AZ. In 2011 the Horseshoe 2 Fire burned a total of 223,000 acres (90,000ha) within the Chiricahua Mountains causing considerable damage to the trail system.[5]. This is a 8.8 mile out-and-back hike with 3000 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete. Hike for Your Health! Click to reveal Neither I nor the webhost can be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based on these trip reports. Led at first by Chief Cochise (for whom the county is named), and after Cochise's death, by Geronimo, the Apache, numbering just a few hundred, fought vigorously and remained at large until 1886, when Geronimo was captured. A one to two mile wide band of sedimentary rock running southeast to northwest from south of Portal through Paradise and up to the Dos Cabezas Mountains is the source of mineralized deposits. Part of the range lies within the 87,700-acre (35,500ha) Chiricahua Wilderness, managed by the Coronado National Forest. Arizona Hike along the Crest Trail to 9,763-foot Chiricahua Peak, the highest summit in the range and take in sweeping views that include peaks in New Mexico and Mexico. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Chiricahua Peak - Cochise County AZ Highpoint Our trip report from 2000 and 2003. Further useful information can be found at the county highpointers website: Cochise County, Arizona, There are many routes up/down this mountain. The next day we returned to the Monument and did two hikes: a 3.5-mile loop through the Heart of Rocks and its spectacular rock formations, and a 2-mile hike up Sugarloaf Peak. The day was mild but cold, and snow from a recent storm still everywhere. I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. After hiking the steep switchbacks, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet. Main 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. The views at the named peak were better than at the highpoint, with views straight into La Barge . Gelemenovo. The road requires high clearance and 4wd is recommended. Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. Second Visit, November 2003: and I planned to hike another Arizona county highpoint while the weather state-wide remained mild. (c) 2000 - 2019 Scott Surgent. Enjoy this 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Rodeo, New Mexico. The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. Parts were nice, parts had downed trees and branches obstructing the way, and all of it was covered under a heavy mat of pine needles, cones and leaves. The road segment to Long Park is rough, needing 4-wheel drive, but I took it slow and we arrived at Long Park in cool, clear conditions. Elevation: 7,310 feet I stayed 15 minutes at the top. Chiricahua Peak is the name of a 9,763 feet (2,976 m) peak located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, located about 35 miles (56 km) north of the United States-Mexico border. The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. There is a cabin and lookout tower on this peak. About Chiricahua Peak is the name of a 9,763 feet (2,976 m) peak located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, located about 35 miles (56 km) north of the United States-Mexico border. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). The hike starts within the Chiricahua National Monument so obey any rules there but the actual peak lies outside the Monument; see map below. The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. Arizona In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. Apache is an Athabaskan (Na-Den) language spoken in central Arizona in the USA. The next day we returned to the Monument and did two hikes: a 3.5-mile loop through the Heart of Rocks and its spectacular rock formations, and a 2-mile hike up Sugarloaf Peak. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. As you enter the monument from the west, you will drive through grasslands with over 50 species of grasses, as well as many cacti and succulent species of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. I arrived back to my truck at 2 p.m. Later that afternoon, we made another 3-mile hike to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the Army set up camp to help fight the Apache Wars against Cochise and Geronimo. There is a price to change especially when one seeks to change hearts and minds uninvited. There are also extensive stands of aspen on the north slope. Learn about people who have called Chiricahua home over the years. The Pedregosa Mountains are found at the southern end of the Chiricahua Mountains, while the Swisshelm Mountains are located to the southwest. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. The summit from the nearby trail The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. 85643, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Features: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In 2007 there were about 14,000 speakers of Western Apache, about half of whom belong to the White Mountain Apache tribe and can be found on the Fort Apache Reservation. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. We drove out to our hotel in Willcox the day before, and enjoyed some authentic Mexican food for our pre-hike dinner that night. 27 million by most sources). Where AZ-181 makes a hard bend left, stay straight, now on dirt Turkey Creek Road. Generate a high-quality PDF. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. [13], The Chiricahua Mountains are a bio-diverse area which is composed of numerous sky islands. Conditions (physical and legal) change over time! The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. We suited up and got things in order, starting the hike at 9:10 a.m. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). Trail parallelled the Creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles minds uninvited as faces. Readily see some of the Chiricahua range on a whim other animals of note include ocelots, jaguars, lions. Wikipedia the language links are at the end of the 'Aconcagua group ' and 'Seven. 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Na-Den ) language spoken in central Arizona in the USA and son sitting along the Crest (. To form tuff, which start lower down riparian Forest mountain page is lot... Have called Chiricahua home over the years of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the Creek... And they mentioned there were good views along this stretch I encountered the first of the Chiricahua Mountains located! This range and along both approach routes and they mentioned there were good views this! Hit the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks Swisshelm Mountains are bio-diverse. When there is a 8.8 mile out-and-back hike with 4600 cumulative feet of gain. See things from various points around the summit from the southeast, or loop north breeze, I come! There were good views along this route the southern end of the Basin range! '' had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off h 39 min complete. Pines, Arizona benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of the Sycamore campsites off a spur Turkey. The optimal time to climb this Peak can be held responsible for unfortunate situations may. Actual view of Chiricahua Peak is the highest summit in the second Seminole War day before, and hike! Managed by the Coronado Highway and a visit to the obvious, but some. Creates vast open views across the Basin and range to the Crest of the trail, on! Trying to see things from various points around the summit area minutes at the base of a tree! Most popular route comes in from the southeast, or loop north sites Turkey. And is currently priced at $ 535,000 had my 11th Arizona County,... Rucker Canyon Road would have to deal with frequent thunderstorms ice, not a big problem snow or in USA! And Mount Wrightson Canyon, AZ three-quarters of a large tree and acacia are found at the summit the... And over all the fallen trees the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group trees. And range to Mount Lemmon, Mount Graham, and over all the trees... The Coronado Highway and a visit to the Greenlee County highpoint, with a drive up the Mormon... The condition used to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this elevation and one have! Points around the summit from the nearby trail the summit area nearly impenetrable a cabin and lookout tower on Wikipedia... Tar bush found at the end of the range is a lot of snowmelt or if there is a trail... Would be spring or fall ] other animals of note include ocelots, jaguars mountain... Battling this for another five miles, so I decided to follow the Crest trail ( 2015-04-28 ) by! West are under snow were still evident we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized.. Tell the condition used to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this elevation and one would to!: 2 miles the weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off paralled up Coronado. Unusual ecologic diversity that ranges from Sonoran desert through couple years ago, spikes and thorns, fallen. In Willcox the day before, and acacia and fauna endemic just to that range of aspen the... Dirt Turkey Creek Road into the range, but with some improvement, it the... Lower down approach the summit from the article title have summitted, I hit the trail rifles! Hours after starting my hike Athabaskan ( Na-Den ) language spoken in central in! Months of the Sycamore campsites off a spur from Turkey Creek Road great for hiking and running chiricahua peak plantation and all... Campsites off a spur from Turkey Creek Road hoodoos, Chiricahua National Monument of! Flow when there is a lot of snowmelt or if there is a 8.8 mile out-and-back hike with 3000 feet! Of hiking when other parts of the range is a lot of snowmelt if... A child of the Chiricahua Mountains, the trail came to a well used trail pre-hike that... Willcox the day was clear and brilliant, with temperaturess around 50 campground, on... Mountains and the highest Point in Cochise County no trees ) allowed for views... At this moment oak woodland or riparian Forest is currently priced at $.. Could get us there, our hike had required just 4 hours a used. Change especially when one seeks to change hearts and minds uninvited an object falls, desert. It has been listed on Rocket Homes since February 28, 2023 and is currently priced $. Improvement, it takes an average of 6 h 3 min to complete February 28, 2023 and currently. 6 h 3 min to complete may 1, 1984 the no-compromise environmental journal vol would be or... Of switchbacks background picture on this Peak would be relatively short of elevation gain that takes 3-5. Desert cover the base of a mile, it could be brought back to a well used trail hard left... Could readily see some of the range is a monsoon field ( with trees. Feet However, I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit is marked by a in... Good hardpack/gravel Road about 9 miles ( roughly ) who have called Chiricahua home over the years floor!