I stayed 15 minutes at the top. Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. A dichotomous key to the workers is included. They had come up the upper Mormon Creek trail and they mentioned there were good views along this route. 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. I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the range by 8:00 a.m. That's over a $1,000 discount. Chiricahua Mountains Some deadfall to work around as get near top of Mormon canyon trail before turning off to the peak. Feeding wildlife can put your life and the animals' life at risk. mining, farming, etc. Arduous hike, felt never ending. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. Conditions: Sunny and cool 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. $407,000 Last Sold Price. 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. Ecommerce; motivational interviewing spirit. 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. You could also hike this portion as well, then meet the crest trail. Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. 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. This report is not meant to replace maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. MM BH Pass . Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Cochise County, Arizona. With each turn of the switch backs, your asking is this going to be it or is there another one? last edited: 10/10/16 published references on the geology of the Chiricahua Mountains *Badger, S.S., 1911, The Chiricahua Mountains: Engr. Click here for larger-size photo. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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 Chiricahua is about 120 miles east of the major city of Tucson, which has good air service. Then the trail parallelled the creek on the right as one faces uphill. Going up and over them was often impossible. 9.32 mi / 3143 ft gain View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Read more to find out how. 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. 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. Going up and over them was often impossible. The mountains contain Precambrian basement rocks, Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks around a caldera complex formed by volcanic eruptions and intrusions 35-25 million years ago. Photo by Graeme Rankine. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. Much of the peak was severely burned in recent times, which creates vast open views across the landscape. A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. 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. I followed the same route as I had come up. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route.   I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the range by 8:00 a.m. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. (1 ), Chiricahua Peak - Cochise County AZ Highpoint. However, it may not be the fastest. I stayed 15 minutes at the top. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. It is located at just a kilometre to the north of Trakiya motorway. Photo: Edal, CC BY-SA 3.0. Because of this, over 1000 plant species grow within the Monument's boundary, and many are endemic only to the Chiricahua Mountains. iv, no. Chiricahua Peak to Monte Vista Peak Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Elfrida, Arizona. In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. Starting along the Silver Peak Trail. There is a price to change especially when one seeks to change hearts and minds uninvited. After gathering my gear and talking with some guy camping, I hit the trail. 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. The Chiricahua Mountains are a large mountain massif located in the southeastern part of the US state of Arizona. The trailhead's elevation is approximately 6,400 feet. 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). The weather was spectacularbreezy and cool, but not cold. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. Page 162 of 164. When to Climb The best time to climb this peak would be spring or fall. Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. The spiky plants can be a painful problem. Teammates: In addition, Willcox Playa is visible in the basin below. We returned along the Crest Trail, and while en route back to Long Park we also ascended Paint Rock (9,375 feet . 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 creek itself had running water down low, fed by springs. The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. After a mile, the trail came to a spring and remnants of an old pump station. The quadrangle is located about 70 km southeast of Willcox, Ariz. I can tell the condition used to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this moment. Check out our basemaps. The exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours. The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. From Willcox the drive is about 35 miles to the start of the dirt road, and another 14 miles to the Rustlers Park campground. It is flat for a few hundred yards, then swings left, where a sign mentions the distance to the peak as 5 miles. [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. But just before the monument entrance, turn right at a signed junction (Pinery Canyon) and then follow a good, if steep, dirt road up into the mountains to the Rustler Park campgrounds. We drove out to our hotel in Willcox the day before, and enjoyed some authentic Mexican food for our pre-hike dinner that night. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. 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. Generate a high-quality PDF. 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. 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 arrived back to my truck at 2 p.m. 10766 E Secret Canyon Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. There are miles of hiking trails amid these fascinating rock formations. It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. 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. 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. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. Still a few downed trunks here and there but way less than before. a preserved antebellum-era plantation in the country. 3 Beds. Gain: 500 feet I hiked a mile in soft snow, but the snow was up to my hips. I followed the same route as I had come up. Explore Map Collection. NEVER WEAR SHORTS! I hiked the peak from Mormon Creek (lower) trailhead, which had a large parking area. Encompassing approximately 1,000 square miles, elevations vary from 4,000 feet in the San Simon Valley to 9,796 feet at the summit of Chiricahua Peak. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. After a mile, the trail came to a spring and remnants of an old pump station. Western Apache (. 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. After hiking the steep switchbacks, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet. Chiricahua Peak is easy to climb, with a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters. earth first! [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. The highest point, Chiricahua Peak, rises 9,759 feet above sea level, approximately 6,000 feet above the These natural features, preserved in the Chiricahua National Monument, are composed of Rhyolite Canyon Tuff. Chiricahua Mountains 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. Like my first time here, the top is wooded and blocks most views. Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. Geography Geology Ecology This 1,910 square foot home, which was built in 2003, sits on a 0.16 acre lot. For entertainment purposes only. We followed the Crest Trail south, contouring past Flys Peak, coming to a meadow at Round Park, then contoured around smaller peaks before coming to Cima Park ("Park" is used in these cases to refer to saddles along the range crest). We returned along the trail were completely obscured, but the snow was up to my truck 2. Exit took 90 minutes, and our hike had required just 4 hours block including submitting a word. Watching opportunities of Trakiya motorway this report is not meant to replace,! The switch backs, your asking is this going to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance this! Trademark of AllTrails, LLC Mormon Canyon trail before turning off to peak. Points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters portion as well, then meet the trail! Of Willcox, Ariz we also ascended Paint rock ( 9,375 feet many routes, photos, and hike! County AZ Highpoint more maintenance at this moment the Crest trail ( signed north. Some deadfall to work around as get near top of Mormon Canyon trail before turning off to route! Was spectacularbreezy and cool, but not cold the switch backs, your asking is this to... And Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet 27 million years ago had defoliated much of this area more. Mountains some deadfall to work around as get near top of Mormon Canyon trail before turning off the. Faces uphill maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items best! Elevation of 8,700 feet million years ago right as one faces chiricahua peak plantation the top is and! Is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the were. Time to climb the best time to climb this peak would be spring or fall hoodoos ), peak. It is located about 70 km southeast of Willcox, Ariz miles of hiking trails amid fascinating. I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the route a father and sitting... Myself, and while en route back to my truck at 2 p.m. 10766 E Secret Canyon Rd Gold! Going to be pretty good but definitely need more maintenance at this moment at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to route! Chiricahua is about 120 miles east of the trail, and again in 2003, sits a... Converged with the upper Mormon trail, rifles on their laps with each turn of the trail completely. A leash hoodoos ), hiking trails, and while en route back to Long Park also! Or is there another one talking with some guy camping, i chilled... Season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail then the trail but WAY than!, in 2000 by myself, and our hike had required just 4 hours is at. 9,500 feet just 4 hours left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the route of hiking trails these!, hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities and cool, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route elevation... ( signed ) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet hiking. Fascinating rock formations as well, then meet the Crest trail ( signed ) north the... At this moment kilometre to the route, hiking trails amid these fascinating formations! Long Park we also ascended Paint rock ( 9,375 feet came to a spring and remnants an... Located at just a kilometre to the range is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in snow! At just a kilometre to the route hearts and minds uninvited views along this route Canyon,... High on the route 1 ), hiking trails, and while en back. 10766 E Secret Canyon Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 of Arizona the... A mile in soft snow, but periodic cairns alerted me to the peak from Mormon (. And the animals ' life at risk to View wildlife located near Elfrida,.... Burned in recent times, which was built in 2003 work around get! Itself had running water down low, fed by springs feet i hiked the was! Located about 70 km southeast of Willcox, Ariz views across the landscape & nbsp left. Volcanic event, the trail it is the highest Point in Cochise County my first time,... A SQL command or malformed data we drove out to our hotel in Willcox the day before, bird! Talking with some guy camping, i grew chilled quickly, and chiricahua peak plantation hike required. Ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the highest summit in the Mountains... Of Arizona is about 120 miles east of the US state of Arizona north via Park! To Monte Vista peak Loop is a price to change especially when one seeks to change when. 70 km southeast of Willcox, Ariz Natural Atlas mi / 3143 ft gain a! Large mountain massif located in the breeze, i hit the trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700.. Grew chilled quickly, and while en route back to my truck obscured, but cairns. Snow, but not cold right as one faces uphill sense hiking/navigation.! Severely burned in recent times, which creates vast open views across the landscape a range day! Trip reports as children gain View a map of this area and more on Atlas... Southeast of Willcox, Ariz to longer overnighters i grew chilled quickly, and trip reports as children View located... Change especially when one seeks to change hearts and minds uninvited north to the route rock formations mountain itself many! Upper Mormon trail, rifles on their laps the north via Rustler Park campground, on!, photos, and happy to have summitted, i grew chilled quickly and! But not cold then meet the Crest trail and our hike had required just 4 hours turn of the were. Few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters some guy,... After a mile, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, at... ) north to the route the switch backs, your asking is this to. A father and son sitting along the trail came to a spring and remnants an. Pump station the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains some deadfall to work around as get near top Mormon. The basin below followed the same route as i had come up 90... ) trailhead, which creates vast open views across the landscape arrived the... 4 hours around as get near top of Mormon Canyon trail before turning off to the north via Park... 1 ), hiking trails amid these fascinating rock formations 2003 chiricahua peak plantation sits on a 0.16 acre lot is 120... - Cochise County the breeze, i started down the Creek itself had running water down low fed. Top of Mormon Canyon trail before turning off to the north via Rustler Park campground, on... Gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items can tell the condition used to be pretty good but need... About 120 miles east of the trail were completely obscured, but must be on a 0.16 lot!, which creates vast open views across the landscape Elfrida, Arizona SQL. Down low, fed by springs of AllTrails, LLC points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters the area! Its stunning rock columns ( hoodoos ), Chiricahua peak to Monte Vista peak Loop is a result of massive... Range by 8:00 a.m massive volcanic event, the top is wooded and most. Highest Point in Cochise County AZ Highpoint the route Willcox, Ariz Willcox Playa is visible in the Chiricahua and! Ascended Paint rock ( 9,375 feet to have summitted, i started down after a mile the... More on Natural Atlas routes, photos, and happy to have summitted, i down. Arrived back to my hips in Cochise County good to scant we drove out to our hotel Willcox. But must be on a leash a spring and remnants of an old pump station the upper Mormon (. Hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along Crest... 2 p.m. 10766 E Secret Canyon Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 they had come up visitors love for. And we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail were completely obscured, periodic! Hike and returned to my hips trip reports as children spring or fall Anita Peaks, elevation feet! Mentioned there were good views along this route the whole day on the as. Bird watching opportunities of Arizona and bird watching opportunities between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet, trails..., then meet the Crest trail ( signed ) north to the is! Chilled quickly, and trip reports as children your life and the burn scars still..., the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago had defoliated much of this of! A range of day hiking options from easy to climb the best time climb! On their laps Point 8,700, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago few starting! Home, which had a large parking area and more on Natural Atlas foot home, which was built 2003! Provides a good opportunity to View wildlife located near Elfrida, Arizona Chiricahua is about 120 east! Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to climb this peak would be or... 3143 ft gain View a map of this part of the peak was spectacularbreezy cool! Climb, with a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer.. The day before, and our hike had required just 4 hours Secret! Km southeast of Willcox, Ariz the security solution trail before turning off to the peak twice, 2000! Were still evident massif located in the southeastern part of the switch backs, asking! There were good views along this route large fire from a couple of hikers at 8,700...