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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Arcadia Trail #328
Because of the notable views it offers, Arcadia Trail has
been designated a National Recreation Trail, placing
it among the most outstanding trails in the nation. Most people travel
this popular pathway
from Shannon Campground to Arcadia because it’s mostly downhill
in that direction. The course it follows winds in and
out of stands of trees that are made up mostly of Douglas-fir, Engelmann
spruce and
quaking aspen on the upper end, while changing gradually
to ponderosa pine and silverleaf oak on more southern facing slopes
as the trail
nears Arcadia Campground.
Near the upper trailhead there is an area that has been
logged and remains relatively open where you may find some tasty
wild raspberries
if you come in late summer. Beyond a series of switchbacks
at about a mile from the trailhead, Heliograph Trail #328A climbs
to the top of
Heliograph Peak where the rugged landscape of southeastern
Arizona forms a sweeping, unbroken panorama. Many who use this trail
take this spur
and follow the Heliograph Road back to Shannon Camp for
a loop of about 4 miles.
As the trail drops toward Arcadia it provides good views
of distant peaks and nearby canyons. Just above Arcadia
Campground, the trail crosses a small drainage shaded
by riparian species such as box
elder and bigtooth maple. There are usually some colorful
wildflowers here as well. Watch for black bears and
white-tailed deer along the trail,
and for Aberts squirrels scurrying among the trees.
Attractions:
Expansive views
Cool forest setting
Wildlife watching
Season: Summer through fall
Length: 5.1 miles
Elevation: 6,700'-9,500'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Medium
USGS Map(s): Mt. Graham
Access: To the Shannon Campground Trailhead, drive
south from Safford 8 miles on US 191 to
AZ 366 (the Swift Trail). Turn
right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and
drive 22 miles to the campground entrance on the right side
of the road. Follow the road through the campground to the trailhead
at the turnaround. The lower
trailhead is at the Upper Arcadia Campground and Picnic Area
11.5 miles
from the AZ 366/US 191 intersection. The
trailhead is at the rear of Upper Arcadia
Campground.
Notes:
Heliograph Peak Trail #328A and Noon Creek Ridge Trail
#318 branch off the Arcadia Trail.
There is little or no water along the trail. Purification
of water is recommended prior to use.
Before using this trail, call the Safford Ranger District
for current trail conditions which can vary with season,
weather
and maintenance
status.
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