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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Burro Trail #240 & Horseshoe Ridge Trail #282
These two trails provide a way into a remote and rugged
area of the Chiricahuas accessible from Horseshoe Canyon. From the
end of
Forest Road 314 the Burro Trail continues up Horseshoe
Canyon to the top of Horseshoe Pass. From this point you have a couple
of alternatives
to choose from. You can continue along the Burro Trail
down into the canyon of the South Fork of Cave Creek, or turn west
and head for the
high slopes of Sentinel Peak. Or you can sample a bit
of both by putting together a loop route connecting both of the above
trails by means
of a portion of the South Fork Trail #243 and the Crest
Trail #270 over Sentinel Peak. On the Burro Trail, just north of
Horseshoe Saddle,
you will find good views of Cave Creek Canyon and the
red and amber cliffs of Silver Peak. At the trail’s terminus, at a place called
Maple Camp along the South Fork of Cave Creek, you’ll be in some
of the most famous birdwatching habitat in the United States. If you
come in October or November you’ll also get to enjoy the fall
colors provided by the Rocky Mountain bigtooth maples
that grow here.
West from Horseshoe Pass, Horseshoe Ridge Trail branches
off from the Burro Trail along a southwest route that
heads toward the Baker Canyon Trail #225 and Sentinel Peak. Though
there is a short cut
to the South Fork Trail #243 and a possible loop via
the Burnt Stump Trail #366, you may want to take the long way around-
up and over the
summit of Sentinel Peak via the Baker Canyon Trail and
the Crest Trail. The view at the summit is obscured by trees, but
a point about a hundred
yards down the trail provides a more open vista.
From the summit a loop is possible via the South Fork
Trail #243 after connecting to that trail by way of
the Crest Trail #270. To
complete the loop, follow the South Fork Trail to Maple
Camp, turn south via the Burro Trail, and continue
up and over Horseshoe Pass to the trailhead.
Attractions:
Varied views
Rugged, remote area
Access to Sentinel Peak
Loop trip via South Fork, Baker Canyon
and Crest Trails
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 6.6 miles (#240), 3.3 miles (#282)
Elevation: 5,600'-9,000'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Portal Peak
Access: From Douglas, take US Highway 80 north 41 miles
to Horseshoe Canyon Road
(FR 314). Turn left (west) and travel 12
miles to the end of the road (4-wheel drive) and Trail
#240. Trail
#282 is accessible via Trail #240. Alternate
access is via the South Fork Trail #243.
Notes:
Burnt Stump Trail #366 is 0.5 mile long and rated more
difficult.
A 20 mile loop over Sentinel Peak is possible via trails
#240, #282, #225, #270, and #243.
All of these trails are entirely within the Chiricahua
Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including
mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. See
the Wilderness section
of this guide
for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
Water is available intermittently at Log, Burro and Burnt
Stump Springs, otherwise these trails are very dry
and hot. Purification
of water
is recommended prior
to use.
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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