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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Bootlegger Trail #257
Bootlegger Trail is a short, steep side trail off the Crest
Trail #270 in the vicinity of Rustler Park. It connects the Crest with
two primitive forest trails, Rattlesnake Trail #275 and Rock Creek
Trail #259, both of which lead down the mountain to the west. The Bootlegger
Trail connects with the Crest at two points. One is just above Rustler
Park Campground about 0.4 mile south of where the access trail from
the campground intersects the Crest. The other junction is at Bootlegger
Saddle, about one trail mile farther south on the Crest.
In between those two points, the Bootlegger Trail drops
down onto a saddle that separates the upper reaches of Rattlesnake
and Rock
canyons. Trail surroundings here are forests of pine
and fir. The saddle and a few points along the trail offer views
of both of the aforementioned
drainages as well as the lower western slopes and peaks
of the Chiricahuas. The southern section of the trail, between the
Rattlesnake/Rock Creek
junction and Bootlegger Saddle is very steep, ascending
500 feet in less than half a mile. The northern section of the trail
has some stretches
that will make you breathe hard as well.
In addition to providing access to the Rattlesnake and
Rock Creek Trails, Bootlegger Trail offers an opportunity
for a loop out of
Rustler Park Campground. This loop incorporates about
a mile and a half of the Crest Trail from the campground.
Best views are at Bootlegger
Saddle where you can see a number of mountain ranges
and valleys to the west and south of the Chiricahuas.
Attractions:
Great views
Several possible destinations
Forested trail
Loop (via the Crest Trail #270)
Access to Rattlesnake and Rock Creek trails
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 1.6 miles
Elevation: 8,320’-8,800’
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s):Rustler Park
Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn
right (south) on AZ 186 and continue for
23 miles. Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National
Monument and drive 4 miles, then turn right
(south) on FR 42. Continue up Pinery Canyon
12 miles to FR 42D. Drive approximately 2.5 miles to the Rustler
Park Campground. Travel the Crest
Trail #270 about 0.4 mile to Bootlegger
Trail.
Forest Roads 42 and 42D are gravel roads
suitable for passenger vehicles. Open
from April through November, they are not plowed and are
usually closed following early or late
season snowstorms.
These roads are rough and dusty and may
be muddy and slick after a rain.
Notes:
Pack and saddle stock are not allowed
overnight in campgrounds.
Before using this trail, call the Douglas
Ranger District for a report on current
trail conditions which can vary with
season, weather and
maintenance status.
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