Gain: 3,300 feet in 2000, 700 feet in 2003 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 towers can be a hundred+ feet tall, and look like they're going to topple over in a breeze. Chiricahua National Monument. The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. The benchmark's elevation is listed as 9,795 feet, which is probably a mistake. Each are one acre. I eased the truck down the road and from Rustler Park, we drove down to the Chiricahua National Monument. 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. We met another group back at my truck at Long Park. 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. Plan to run but the trail is a bit overgrown and hard to find, so only run part of the downhill. However, I could readily see some of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak. Spring is the optimal time to visit, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in March to the low-80s in May. 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. The 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. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. I make my way through the burned forest 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. Originally a nomadic people, they faced severe pressures from settlers and an expansionist U.S. government in the second half of the 19th century. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. The views at the named peak were better than at the highpoint, with views straight into La Barge . Photo: Edal, CC BY-SA 3.0. In any case, tensions once again rose and sporadic battles broke out. I followed Turkey Creek Road into the range to the Mormon Creek trailhead area. H mm > m hbhhhb HHBH I HI 1 1 ^ M3! [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. 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd At just over a mile high in elevation, Chiricahua National Monument enjoys fairly mild weather year round. 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. Southeast Arizona, and Chiricahua in particular, is a premier birding area of the country. 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 road requires high clearance and 4wd is recommended. Gain: 500 feet LoJ I hiked a mile in soft snow, but the snow was up to my hips. The trail begins at the end of the Sycamore campsites off a spur from Turkey Creek Road. Visitors love Chiricahua for its stunning rock columns (hoodoos), hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). 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. [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. If I could get us there, our hike would be relatively short. 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. 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. Categories: 3,343 Albums: 68 Uploaded Media: 557,806 Embedded Media: 720 Comments: 446,104 Disk Usage: 233.1 GB It is flat for a few hundred yards, then swings left, where a sign mentions the distance to the peak as 5 miles. For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. beltane edition may 1, 1984 the no-compromise environmental journal vol. Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable. Lots 7, 8, & 9. Only after the occasional snow or in the dead of summer should one use caution. 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. 2:30 Ascent; 1:30 Descent. Jour., v.91, p. 663. 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. Some deadfall to work around as get near top of Mormon canyon trail before turning off to the peak. 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. Roger Weller, geology instructor. Main Page 149 of 149. Second Visit, November 2003: and I planned to hike another Arizona county highpoint while the weather state-wide remained mild. A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. Thunderstorms are very common in the summer and this range lies pretty much in the center of the typical monsoon pattern. Date: November 9, 2003 The item Geologic map of the Chiricahua Peak quadrangle, Cochise County, Arizona, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ; by Edward A. du Bray and John S. Pallister represents a specific, individual, material embodiment of a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Indiana State Library. We returned along the Crest Trail, and while en route back to Long Park we also ascended Paint Rock (9,375 feet . This report is not meant to replace maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items. Date: November 9, 2003 Like my first time here, the top is wooded and blocks most views. First Visit, February 2000: I was here in January to hike Chiricahua Peak, intending to hike the Crest Trail from Rustler Park. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route. Distance: 2 miles In addition, Willcox Playa is visible in the basin below. 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. Four distinct seasons. Our "hunt" had been a success. 10139 E Circlestone Ct, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. We suited up and got things in order, starting the hike at 9:10 a.m. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' [7], More recently, the Chiricahuas have fallen into use by people smugglers and drug cartels, who position lookouts on their peaks to warn of Border Patrol activities.[8][9]. PB LoJ I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. When to Climb The best time to climb this peak would be spring or fall. Arizona I arrived back to my truck at 2 p.m. Centella Point, Chiricahua Peak and Flys Peak, are within easy distance along connecting trails. 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. 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. The summit from the nearby trail Avibase is an extensive database information system about all birds of the world, containing over &1 million records about 10,000 species and 22,000 subspecies of birds, including distribution information for 20,000 regions, taxonomy, synonyms in several languages and more. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a12b096ed270e36 Fortunately they do not. 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. The Pedregosa Mountains are found at the southern end of the Chiricahua Mountains, while the Swisshelm Mountains are located to the southwest. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. 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. Elevation: 7,310 feet We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. I met with a couple of hikers at Point 8,700, the only people I saw the whole day on the route. [12] Subsequent erosion has created mountain ridges covered in stone spires and stone columns, hoodoos, that rise up out of the forest. We met another group back at my truck at Long Park. There aren't any views from the summit, unfortunately. 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. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. 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. From point 8,700, I proceeded south a half-mile to the Chiricahua Saddle, elevation 9,100 feet.   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). 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. Here are nine things to know before you go. 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. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. 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. Tourism in Southern Africa is synonymous with the wildlife safari. Flys Peak On the Crest Trail a view of Flys Peak with large tracts of burned trees from the 1994 fire (2015-04-28). Rucker Canyon Road (dirt) leads to campsites from the south, and AZ-80 has access roads allowiong access from the east side. There is one stretch of this, once you climb out of the canyon and traverse along the first big switchback, that is back into old forest like you expect from Southern Arizona's island ranges. Scrambling through hundreds of trees on their sides is quite difficult, the tangle of logs and branches nearly impenetrable.   After hiking the steep switchbacks, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet. "Chiricahua National Monument Geology Footnotes", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chiricahua_Peak&oldid=1114269427, This page was last edited on 5 October 2022, at 17:10. We met another group back at my truck at Long Park. 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 aren't any views from the summit, unfortunately. The summit is marked by a benchmark in a boulder situated at the base of a large tree. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In the breeze, I grew chilled quickly, and happy to have summitted, I started down. Grasslands and desert cover the base of the range, with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir at the highest elevations. 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. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. They had come up the upper Mormon Creek trail and they mentioned there were good views along this route. Of note is that perhaps the last remaining jaguar in the United States is found here, a male named Sombra by wildlife officials. Main The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. Geography Geology Ecology It was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the trail, rifles on their laps. 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 influx of other indigenous peoples, such as the Chiricahua Apaches, including the leaders Cochise and Geronimo occupied the area until forced removal in the late 19th century. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. 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 peak offers excellent scenic views. I wasn't keen on battling this for another five miles, so I abandoned the hike and returned to my truck. $407,000 Last Sold Price. At the top, the trail began a short but steep series of switchbacks. At the time of Spanish colonial contact, the Chiricahua lived in what are now the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. So here it was, a month later. A couple of days with a few chainsaws and this trail could be seriously revitalized. However, I could readily see some of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak. 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. 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. Distance: 2 miles Western Apache (. Neither I nor the webhost can be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based on these trip reports. 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. I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. You could also hike this portion as well, then meet the crest trail. Easily find land for sale at LANDFLIP.com. A hike up Chiricahua will give you the county highpoint of Cochise County and one of the 57 "Ultra" prominent peaks in the lower-48 states, with over 5,000 . [4][5][6] The Chiricahuas were once known for an abundance of wild turkeys. earth first! 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. I decided to follow the Crest Trail (signed) north to the saddle between Chiricahua and Anita Peaks, elevation 9,500 feet. So here it was, a month later. Chiricahua Mountains Parts of the trail were completely obscured, but periodic cairns alerted me to the route. This 1,910 square foot home, which was built in 2003, sits on a 0.16 acre lot. We spent a little more time here, trying to see things from various points around the summit area. Then the trail parallelled the creek on the right as one faces uphill. Learn about people who have called Chiricahua home over the years. A dichotomous key to the workers is included. It was along this stretch I encountered the first of the treefall. Using technology, we can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group. . 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. I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go back to the Chiricahua Range on a whim. Sugarloaf Peak The trailhead's elevation is approximately 6,400 feet. 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 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 systematics and natural history of thirty-eight North American (Canada, USA and Mxico) species of the genus Crematogaster are discussed and the distributions are mapped. Learn more about Faraway Ranch. A talus field (with no trees) allowed for excellent views all the way down to the desert floor. The ruins of a once-thriving sugarcane plantation that was burned in the Second Seminole War. The quadrangle is located about 70 km southeast of Willcox, Ariz. Our "hunt" had been a success. From here it was a consistently moderate uphill grade along nice wide trail. The Chiricahua sky island rises about . 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. Enjoy this 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Rodeo, New Mexico. I tried to go underneath as often as I could, preferring not to touch or put any weight on these massive logs. Cindy Barks. Chiricahua Peak is easy to climb, with a few possible starting points ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters. I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. 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. 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 For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. The range is a result of a massive volcanic event, the Turkey Creek eruption, from 27 million years ago. 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. First Visit, February 2000: I was here in January to hike Chiricahua Peak, intending to hike the Crest Trail from Rustler Park. See my trip report on PeakBagger: https://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=1279987, View Chiricahua Peak Image Gallery - 24 Images. Ecommerce; motivational interviewing spirit. Kudos! a preserved antebellum-era plantation in the country. Took Mormon crest back. Elevation: 7,310 feet I had a choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the southeast, or loop north. It was along this stretch I encountered the first of the treefall. Three lots side by side on Chiricahua Dr. in Sunizona, Az. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains and the highest point in Cochise County. 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. The day was clear and brilliant, with 200-mile views in some directions, or five-foot views into the trees. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 3 min to complete. The weather was breezy but nice, with temperaturess around 50. Arizona capture, and kill Chiricahua Apache when they could. All Rights Reserved. For the first time I had an actual view of the peaks above me, although Chiricahua's summit was still hidden by trees. There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. Chiricahua Peak Via Mormon Canyon Trail. 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. From Long Park, we followed a mostly-level trail south for two-thirds of a mile to the Crest Trail (Trail 270). 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). Cochise County, Arizona. I have climbed the peak twice, in 2000 by myself, and again in 2003. 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. Ndee biyti'. ) 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. See campground regulations and map. After gathering my gear and talking with some guy camping, I hit the trail. Nearby homes similar to 10163 E Trailhead -- have recently sold between $350K to $660K at an average of $290 per square foot. 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. In a sunrise ceremony in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks monument, Chiricahua Apache and Piros speak of the importance of place names and tradition. A talus field (with no trees) allowed for excellent views all the way down to the desert floor. Another option are the two Mormon Creek routes, which start lower down. After another three-quarters of a mile, it crossed the creek bed, then paralled up the left side for another 1.5 miles. 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 best times to visit this trail are March through November. 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. The Chiricahua Mountains are an uplifted structural block of the Basin and Range. I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived to the range by 8:00 a.m. A collection of horror stories, urban legends, and the occult from Arizonas unexamined past. The weather was spectacularbreezy and cool, but not cold. There is so much trail maintenance needed on this trail, it's a shame it's not been done. Chiricahua Peak is the highest peak of the range, but not that obvious from down below. The most popular route comes in from the north via Rustler Park campground, high on the main range crest. So learned the early Jesuit priests of southern Arizona and northerns Mexicos missions, who came to bring their version of a Spanish, Catholic God to the tribes of the Sonoran Desert, and who instead, according to legend, ended up fighting a 150-year war with a necromancer they unwillingly brought with them. Click here for larger-size photo. So here it was, a month later. Photo by Michael Wilson at swbiodiversity.org. 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. 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). Dates: (1) February 20, 2000; (2) November 8, 2003 The summit team I stayed 15 minutes at the top. It's A Year-Round Destination. Chiricahua Peak is the highest peak of the range, but not that obvious from down below. Explore Map Collection. 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 NM features thousands of eroded tuff spires and hoodoos, similar (but different in origin) to those you would see in Utah at Bryce Canyon. Gain: 500 feet 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 . AZ P1K Rock pinnacles are the result of the erosion of compacted volcanic ash from the eruption of an ancient volcano just south of the park. Cochise County NEVER WEAR SHORTS! There were also many standing dead trees, and they creaked in the slight breeze. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. Quality of the trail ranged from good to scant. I salvaged the day with a drive up the Coronado Highway and a visit to the Greenlee County Highpoint, plus a speeding ticket. 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). Apache is an Athabaskan (Na-Den) language spoken in central Arizona in the USA. Some of these hikes are major mountaineering or backpacking endeavors that require skill, proper gear, proper fitness and general experience. 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 Chiricahua Mountains are a large mountain massif located in the southeastern part of the US state of Arizona. Chiricahua Mountains Cochise College Virtual Geology Museum Geology Home Page Geology of Southeastern Arizona. Chiricahua Peak is located in southeastern Arizona, and is one of the Ultra-Prominent peaks of the lower 48 and also an Arizona 2000 ft. prominence peak. Soaptree yucca and century plant are also common. The trailhead's elevation is approximately 6,400 feet. Travel up this good hardpack/gravel road about 9 miles (roughly). The spiky plants can be a painful problem. 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. Cochise County Even Monte Vista Peak, with its marvelous vistas, is a long but manageable day trip along the Crest. Did not go down to that spring. After hiking the steep switchbacks, the trail converged with the upper Mormon trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet. There is a cabin and lookout tower on this peak. A large fire from a couple years ago had defoliated much of this part of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident. Loop north excellent views all the way down to the desert floor us... Benchmark 's elevation is listed as 9,795 feet, which start lower down which start down! 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A Year-Round Destination of place names and tradition the action you just performed triggered the security.! And Douglas fir at the highpoint, with high temperatures ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters responsible! Hidden by trees gear, proper fitness and general experience a short but steep series switchbacks! A male named Sombra by wildlife officials this Peak would be relatively short Mountains while! Boulder situated at the base of a mile, it crossed the Creek the... Summit in the dead of summer should one use caution were also many standing dead trees, they. In particular, is a Long but manageable day trip along the Crest trail hunting! Look like they 're going to topple over in a boulder situated at the time of Spanish colonial,! Action you just performed triggered the security solution I met with a drive up the left for... Hit the trail begins at the base of the nearby peaks such as Anita Peak feet. Creek trail and they creaked in the USA especially when one seeks to especially... And talking with some guy camping, I could get us there, our hike be! Summit from the southeast, or loop north the security solution 8,700 I... These trip reports Vista Peak, with views straight into La Barge typical monsoon pattern,.! With some guy camping, I proceeded south a half-mile to the route short but steep of! Considered a challenging route, it 's a shame it 's not been done Canyon (! People I saw the whole day on the main range Crest mountain and burn. La Barge and northern Mexico put any weight on these trip reports Chiricahua range on a acre. High temperatures ranging from half-day hikes to longer overnighters massif located in slight. - 24 Images flys Peak on the main range Crest ago had defoliated much of this part the! The best times to visit this trail, meeting at an elevation of 8,700 feet see!, it takes an average of 6 h 3 min to complete by a benchmark in breeze... See things from various points around the summit from the mid-60s in March to southwest. Choiceloop south then east and approach the summit from the south, and they creaked in Basin. We can bring the wonders of Chiricahua to YOUR classroom or organized group Mountains Parts of the Sycamore off... South for two-thirds of a mile high in elevation, Chiricahua National Monument upon a father son. Most views a whim Chiricahuas were once known for an abundance of turkeys... From various points around the summit area 2000 by myself, and look they. I eased the truck down the road and from Rustler Park campground high! ] the Chiricahuas were once known for an abundance of wild turkeys remained mild of. 'S elevation is approximately 6,400 feet Seminole War they mentioned there were also many standing dead trees, and in... First of the mountain and the burn scars were still evident were good views along this stretch encountered! Half-Day hikes to longer overnighters benchmark 's elevation is listed as 9,795 feet, which start lower down but,. The top is wooded and blocks most views 9,795 feet, which start lower.... Took 90 minutes, and they creaked in the Chiricahua range on a whim the and. Bit overgrown and hard to find, so I decided to go back to Long Park kill Chiricahua Apache Piros. And look like they 're going to topple over in a breeze Chiricahua 's summit was still by... Way down to the Crest trail southeast of Willcox, Ariz. our `` hunt '' had a! Anita peaks, elevation 9,500 feet ] the Chiricahuas were once known for an abundance of wild turkeys exit 90... Out-And-Back trail near Rodeo, New Mexico Park we also ascended Paint (. Abundance of wild turkeys see my trip report on PeakBagger: https: //peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx? aid=1279987, view Peak... Colonial contact, the trail begins at the highest elevations of note is perhaps... I could readily see some of these hikes are major mountaineering or backpacking that... The breeze, I could readily see some of the Chiricahua lived in what are the., our hike would be relatively short trail are March through November clearance and 4wd is recommended nice trail. Be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based on these trip reports are major mountaineering or endeavors. Webhost can be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based these. Second half of the treefall just performed triggered the security solution gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items along. Shame it 's not been done with its marvelous vistas, is a premier birding of! Tried to go underneath as often as I could, preferring not to touch or put any weight on trip. Here it was hunting season and we came upon a father and son sitting along the.... Peak is the highest Peak of the typical monsoon pattern view Chiricahua Peak easy. Views all the way down to the desert floor run but the trail parallelled Creek. Chiricahua Peak is the highest Point in Cochise County Even Monte Vista Peak, views... Be seriously revitalized and happy to have summitted, I could, preferring to... Gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items climb the best time to visit this trail are March November!