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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Bear Canyon Trail #299
Bear Canyon Trail provides access to four Forest trails
that lead down the mountain from Ladybug Saddle. Ladybug Trail #329,
Dutch
Henry Canyon Trail #297, Turkey Flat Trail #330 and Ladybug
Peak Trail #300 all connect to the Bear Canyon Trail. In addition
to offering
access to a number of other trails, Bear Canyon Trail
provides good views to the south. Among the features you can see
from the upper reaches
of this trail are the Dos Cabezas Mountains east of Willcox,
with the Greasewood Mountains in the foreground and Sulphur Springs
Valley in
the distance. Closer in, you’ll enjoy good views of the lower
slopes and southern peaks of the Pinaleños as well.
The trail essentially starts among mixed conifer forest
surroundings and drops down to an oak- and juniper-dotted
desert grassland. As you
might suspect, Bear Canyon is a good place to see black
bears which are quite common on this mountain range.
(Remember that bears are secretive
creatures, and usually you have to be looking for them
to see them.) Bear Canyon Trail is also a good place
to see a much smaller predator–ladybugs,
lots of them. Ladybug Peak Trail #300 branches off the
main trail and leads to the summit of Ladybug Peak. Here, during
the summer, rocks and
trees are sometimes covered with these aphid-eating insects.
Attractions:
South facing views (most trails here face north)
From mountain surroundings to desert
Clustering ladybugs (sometimes)
Good place to see bear and other wildlife
Season: Spring to fall
Length: 6 miles
Elevation: 4,920'-8,780'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Low
USGS Map(s): Mt. Graham
Access: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191
to the Swift Trail (AZ 366). Turn right
(southwest) onto AZ 366 and
drive about 17 miles to Ladybug Saddle.
The trailhead is at the parking area on the left side of
the road.
Notes:
Because of the large number of junctions with other
trails along this route, a topographic map
(which you should have with you
on any venture
into the
backcountry) can help insure against moments of confusion.
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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