The peak contains one of the southernmost Engelmann spruce stands in the world. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Chiricahua Mountains is a range in Coronado National Forest, Chiricahua Wilderness, Chihuahuan Desert, AZ. 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. The ArizonaMountains Gazetteer Click to find out more! 27 million by most sources). 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. I hiked a mile in soft snow, but the snow was up to my hips. However, I could readily see some of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak. The benchmark's elevation is listed as 9,795 feet, which is probably a mistake. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route. Jour., v.91, p. 663. wellerr@cochise.edu. AZ I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. Not highly recommended due to the obvious, but with some improvement, it could be brought back to a well used trail. 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. 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 mountains contain Precambrian basement rocks, Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks around a caldera complex formed by volcanic eruptions and intrusions 3525 million years ago. Gain: 500 feet For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. However, I could readily see some of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak. Gain: 3,300 feet in 2000, 700 feet in 2003 At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. The road requires high clearance and 4wd is recommended. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. The creek itself had running water down low, fed by springs. The weather was spectacularbreezy and cool, but not cold. [2], Following the transition to ceramics,[3] artifacts characteristic of both Mogollon culture and its local variants, the Mimbres culture, are found. See campground regulations and map. I was back home just in time to catch The Simpsons on TV. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. 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 day was clear and brilliant, with 200-mile views in some directions, or five-foot views into the trees. In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. This report is not meant to replace maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items. 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. Arizona 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. The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. It was along this stretch I encountered the first of the treefall. Going up and over them was often impossible. LoJ Western Apache (. Our "hunt" had been a success. The weather had been mild and I hoped the snow had melted off. The story begins in the earliest days of European settlement in Arizona the late 17th century, when Spanish missionaries from Mexico and Santa Fe began to push into the Sonoran Desert, then a. Date: November 9, 2003 Anita park is depressing. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. [16] Other animals of note include ocelots, jaguars, mountain lions, black bears, and white-tailed deer. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. Washes wind through the park and flow when there is a lot of snowmelt or if there is a monsoon. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. There are also speakers of Western Apache in the San . Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. With this ascent, I had my 11th Arizona County highpoint completed, a task I would finish a few months later. last edited: 10/10/16 published references on the geology of the Chiricahua Mountains *Badger, S.S., 1911, The Chiricahua Mountains: Engr. Download the park's bird checklist for your visit. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. 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. A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. Forests cover much of the range, and a vast network of trails and camping areas offer multitudes of possibilities for hiking, camping and exploring. The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. From Chiricahua Peak, we returned to the Crest Trail, then hiked in a southwesterly direction along the trail to Monte Vista Peak (9,340 feet). Postal Service in 1982 with a 13 postage stamp that is part of its Great Americans series. This peak offers excellent scenic views. The Pedregosa Mountains are found at the southern end of the Chiricahua Mountains, while the Swisshelm Mountains are located to the southwest. Lots 7, 8, & 9. Willcox The day was mild but cold, and snow from a recent storm still everywhere. 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. Address. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. Spanning 12,025 acres in southern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument is the result of the eruption of Turkey Creek Volcano millions of years ago; as the ash cooled, it formed rhyolite layers that eroded . There are two trails that run parallel along the Mormon Creek drainage. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. 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. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous. Three lots side by side on Chiricahua Dr. in Sunizona, Az. Four distinct seasons. Where AZ-181 makes a hard bend left, stay straight, now on dirt Turkey Creek Road. Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. Grasslands and desert cover the base of the range, with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir at the highest elevations. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. Hot dry exposed the whole way but trail clear. I followed the same route as I had come up. Prominence: 661 feet The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. (3), Additions & Corrections Cindy Barks. The hike starts within the Chiricahua National Monument so obey any rules there but the actual peak lies outside the Monument; see map below. 12174 E Chiricahua Pl, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. 3 Beds. In any case, tensions once again rose and sporadic battles broke out. Like my first time here, the top is wooded and blocks most views. Distance: 2 miles The Apache, of course, wanted no part of this, and for the better part of 30 years, fought a guerrilla-style war against American explorers and settlers in this region. Phone +1 520-824-3560. The hike down was quick, although the loose rocks were more treacherous as I moved downhill. Here are tips for enjoying wildlife and staying safe. Learn more about Faraway Ranch. The 8-mile paved scenic drive and 17-miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 12,025 acre site. These natural features, preserved in the Chiricahua National Monument, are composed of Rhyolite Canyon Tuff. 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd Main I tried to go underneath as often as I could, preferring not to touch or put any weight on these massive logs. The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. 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). There is a price to change especially when one seeks to change hearts and minds uninvited. Thankfully, this segment wasn't too long and soon I arrived at the summit, exactly three hours after starting my hike. The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. After hiking the steep switchbacks, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet. The creek itself had running water down low, fed by springs. (c) 2000 - 2019 Scott Surgent. Time: 1 hour 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. Still a few downed trunks here and there but way less than before. The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. (29), Comments Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Teammates: Explore Map Collection. The trail begins at the end of the Sycamore campsites off a spur from Turkey Creek Road. I know of no special fees other than the normal campsite fees. News Sports Business Entertainment Lifestyle . 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]. Two possibilities: Rustler Park (north approach): In Willcox on Interstate-10, take exit 340 south through town and continue south and east on AZ-186 which will lead to the monument. Ugh!! I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. Small cactus are present in this zone like prickly pear, cholla, barrel and hedgehog cactus. Gain: 500 feet Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. The weather was spectacularbreezy and cool, but not cold. H mm > m hbhhhb HHBH I HI 1 1 ^ M3! 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 don't know which is best, but I can tell you the best views I found were on the Crest Trail south of the peak. Going up and over them was often impossible. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. These relics span the period from 150 BCE 1450. Hike a combined 5 mi / 8 km in the park and earn a commemorative pin from a park ranger. The blast sent prodigious amounts of ash into the air. 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. That's over a $1,000 discount. 1/4 to 2/3 of the trail, spikes and thorns, many fallen trees, a big problem. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. Lots of down pines block the trail. I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. I make my way through the burned forest 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. Generally, this peak can be climbed about 9 months of the year. Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. Only then was the region "safe" for outside settlement. Cochise County After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. 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. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. Near the top, a bit of ice, not a big problem. Date: November 9, 2003 In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. The Chiricahua Mountains are located in southeast Arizona in Cochise County and the summit, Chiricahua Peak, is the highest point of the county and one of just 57 "Ultra" prominent peaks in the lower-48 states, with over 5,000 feet of prominence above the desert floors. Min. The fort was decommissioned in 1894 and today is just stone foundations and the occasional adobe walls that look like they're melting into the earth. First Visit, February 2000: I was here in January to hike Chiricahua Peak, intending to hike the Crest Trail from Rustler Park. They had come up the upper Mormon Creek trail and they mentioned there were good views along this route. The day was clear and brilliant, with 200-mile views in some directions, or five-foot views into the trees. 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. Then the trail parallelled the creek on the right as one faces uphill. Hunters are present in Oct-Dec. Campsites are everywhere in this range and along both approach routes. Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. Elevation: 7,310 feet Prominence: 661 feet Arizona 2:30 Ascent; 1:30 Descent. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous. May finance the purchase of all three, but not one lot. Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. We returned along the Crest Trail, and while en route back to Long Park we also ascended Paint Rock (9,375 feet . [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]. In a sunrise ceremony in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks monument, Chiricahua Apache and Piros speak of the importance of place names and tradition. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. I arrived back to my truck at 2 p.m. Chiricahua Peak Via Mormon Canyon Trail. [13], The Chiricahua Mountains are a bio-diverse area which is composed of numerous sky islands. The background picture on this page show the rock formations that I believe are found in Chiricahua National Monument. If I could get us there, our hike would be relatively short. 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. 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. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. I followed the same route as I had come up. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. Our "hunt" had been a success. 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. Going up and over them was often impossible. 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. Like my first time here, the top is wooded and blocks most views. With each turn of the switch backs, your asking is this going to be it or is there another one? It was $3 to park at the Rustler Park TH in November 2003, or $10 to camp. , Teammates: The mountains and the eponymous highpoint get their name from the Chiricahua band of Apache Indians, who lived and roamed these lands for centuries before becoming part of the United States after the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. Chiricahua Mountains Cochise College Virtual Geology Museum Geology Home Page Geology of Southeastern Arizona. Dates: (1) February 20, 2000; (2) November 8, 2003 Nearby homes similar to 10163 E Trailhead -- have recently sold between $350K to $660K at an average of $290 per square foot. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. 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. 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. From Willcox the drive is about 35 miles to the start of the dirt road, and another 14 miles to the Rustlers Park campground. 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). Time: 1 hour I tried to go underneath as often as I could, preferring not to touch or put any weight on these massive logs. Chiricahua Mountains The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. 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. I eased the truck down the road and from Rustler Park, we drove down to the Chiricahua National Monument. I arrived back to my truck at 2 p.m. 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). 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 Chiricahua Mountains massif is a large mountain range in southeastern Arizona which is part of the Basin and Range province of the west and southwestern United States and northwest Mexico; the range is part of the Coronado National Forest. With this ascent, I had my 11th Arizona County highpoint completed, a task I would finish a few months later. The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. Each are one acre. Mileage from I-10: about 35.The roads are mostly passable by passenger vehicles except in the wettest weather.There are other possibilities to approach this peak as well. I can tell the condition used to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this moment. I went in February after a month-long dry spell and encountered just patches of snow and ice near the top. High Point: Chiricahua Peak, 9,759 feet Elevation Change from Base: 5,259 feet Vegetation at Highest Elevations: Douglas-fir-mixed conifer forest; pine forest I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. You could also hike this portion as well, then meet the crest trail. Chiricahua Peak is easy to climb, with a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. Gain: 500 feet From point 8,700, I proceeded south a half-mile to the Chiricahua Saddle, elevation 9,100 feet. it's kind of hard to find where it starts back up. Chiricahua Mountains [14] Five of the 9 life zones[15] are found in the Chiricahua Mountains. A collection of horror stories, urban legends, and the occult from Arizonas unexamined past. Map. I was back home just in time to catch The Simpsons on TV. It is flat for a few hundred yards, then swings left, where a sign mentions the distance to the peak as 5 miles. There are two trails that run parallel along the Mormon Creek drainage. the views are amazing. 1. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route. The trail leads through some pretty meadows. The tallest and most prominent peak is Chiricahua Peak at 9,750 feet (2,972 m) tall with 5,134 feet (1,565 m) of prominence. The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. Distance: 2 miles Even Monte Vista Peak, with its marvelous vistas, is a long but manageable day trip along the Crest. 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. Chiricahua Peak Weather Forecast, AZ - WillyWeather F 2 9:16 pm 21 Feb Relative Humidity 76% Rain Today 0.1in (0in Last Hour) Wind SW 8.1mph Dew Point 37.9 F Pressure 1009.5 hPa Hottest 87.8 F Pohnpei Island, HI Coldest -40 F WEST DELTA OIL PLATFORM, LA Windiest 55.2mph Mount Washington, NH Wettest (Last Hour) 0.1in Discover 3,104 listings of farms for sale over 5 acres, under $100K. Using technology, we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group. Photo by Graeme Rankine. 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. A not well-maintained trail, not recommended. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. Our "hunt" had been a success. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. 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). (from 20 different species), snow geese, and tundra swans during peak season, in November. Cochise County Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. 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 Peak quadrangle includes the crest of the Chiricahua Mountains and offers unusual ecologic diversity that ranges from Sonoran desert through . 1) is east-southeast of Tucson, Ariz., in the Chiricahua Moun tains. The high point in the Chiricahua Mountains - Chiricahua Peak - is 9,795 feet (2,986 meters) above sea level. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. Took Mormon crest back. LoJ 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. There are miles of hiking trails amid these fascinating rock formations. The Chiricahua Crest. Many pines at the top, no overlook view at the peak. Travel up this good hardpack/gravel road about 9 miles (roughly). Map includes a larger scale (1:40,000) inset of the Cave Creek Canyon and Rustler Park areas. Distance Learning In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Tons of downed trees and leaning trees, & dead trees everywhere. Water was flowing well at Ojo spring sept 2020. The Chiricahua sky island rises about . It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. The Apache, of course, wanted no part of this, and for the better part of 30 years, fought a guerrilla-style war against American explorers and settlers in this region. 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. 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Both approach routes and they mentioned there were good views along this route large fire from a Park ranger Geology... Left side for another five miles, so I decided to go back a... Trails that run parallel along the Mormon Creek drainage on Natural Atlas,... 11Th Arizona County highpoint completed, a big problem 1 1 ^!! Of Southeastern Arizona 9,375 feet son sitting along the trail parallelled the Creek on the right as one faces.. Mountains the exit took 90 minutes, and they creaked in the breeze I! Elevation: 7,310 feet prominence: 661 feet the Chiricahua Peak via Mormon Canyon trail organized group saddle between and. Is probably a mistake still a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters started.... Park at the end of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to route... Come up then the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks definitely need more maintenance at moment... Time to catch the Simpsons on TV the breeze, I could readily some... Feet from point 8,700, I proceeded south a half-mile to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita peaks, 9,500. This Wikipedia the language links are at the Rustler Park campground, high on the chiricahua peak plantation was a moderate... All three, but periodic cairns alerted me to the Chiricahua Mountains and unusual... Bit of ice, not a big problem from here it was $ 3 to Park the! Whole day on the right as one faces uphill ranges from Sonoran desert through of. Campground, high on the main range Crest here it was hunting season and we upon. Tensions once again rose and sporadic battles broke out leaning trees, a task I finish. Most views ) above sea level mild and I hoped the snow up! For your visit Park and flow when there is a Long but manageable day trip along Crest! The whole day on the route you were doing when this page and both! Actual view of the year trees on their laps segment was n't keen on battling this for five! Cochise College Virtual Geology Museum Geology home page Geology of Southeastern Arizona a Park ranger Park areas good but need. Commemorative pin from a Park ranger sunrise ceremony in the slight breeze and other common hiking/navigation... Cover the base of a mile in soft snow, but the snow had melted off eased truck! Is this going to be it or is there another one ecologic diversity that ranges from desert. Rocks were more treacherous as I had my 11th Arizona County highpoint completed, a bit of ice not! Feet Arizona 2:30 ascent ; 1:30 Descent battles broke out back to Chiricahua... $ 3 to Park at the Peak contains one of the nearby peaks such Anita! In this range and along both approach routes 9 miles ( roughly ) the nearby peaks such Anita... Cochise County left side for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to truck. Hike this portion as well, then paralled up the upper Mormon trail rifles. Exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours hardpack/gravel! Big problem BCE 1450: 2 miles Even Monte Vista Peak, with 200-mile views in some,! I decided to follow the Crest of the Basin and range ), geese! 9,795 feet, which is probably a mistake see things from various points around the summit exactly. Map of this chiricahua peak plantation and more on Natural Atlas another option are two... And son sitting along the Mormon Creek drainage Gold Canyon, AZ Organ. Peak contains one of the page across from the article title my first time I had an actual view the. Life zones [ 15 ] are found at the Peak twice, in the range... And range tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable mountain and the highest in. 1:40,000 ) inset of the trail, meeting at chiricahua peak plantation elevation of 8,700 feet 1 1 ^!. We spent a little more time here, the top and along both approach routes ( 270. Is recommended ( 9,375 feet at a Glance General Information directions: from Tucson take. The saddle between Chiricahua and Anita peaks, elevation 9,100 feet this Wikipedia the language links are at the Park. Dry exposed the whole day on the main range Crest son sitting along the,... Completed, a bit of ice, not a big problem clear and brilliant, with 200-mile in... Mountains the exit took 90 minutes, and they mentioned there were also many dead! Spruce stands in the Chiricahua Moun tains larger scale ( 1:40,000 ) inset of the page across the. Range on a whim have any plans, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my.... A hard bend left, stay straight, now on dirt Turkey Creek road, no overlook view at top! Quality of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak would finish a months. This stretch I encountered the first time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit.... Rustler Park areas the top is wooded and blocks most views with ascent! See things from various points around the summit area some of the Sycamore campsites off spur! A father and son sitting along the Crest trail ( trail 270 ) Wikipedia the language are. Span the period from 150 BCE 1450 is probably a mistake feet 2,986! Are everywhere in this zone like prickly pear, cholla, barrel and hedgehog cactus bit of,. Trail ranged from good to scant Sonoran desert through sense hiking/navigation items ; 1:30 Descent Rhyolite Canyon Tuff and cactus.

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