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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Centella Trail # 334, Flys Peak Trail #337 & Bear Wallow
Trail #333
For travelers along the Crest Trail, and for visitors to
Rustler Park looking for a scenic way to spend a day,
here’s
a system of trails that leads to a number of interesting
features including Flys Peak, Bear Wallow Spring, Tub Spring and
scenic Centella Point.
These trails branch off the Crest Trail #270 along the
stretch that lies between Flys Park and Round Park, just south of
the Wilderness
Boundary. Centella Trail heads east from a junction where
the Long Park, Crest and Flys Peak trails intersect. The trip to
Centella Point, with
its panoramic overlooks of the Cave Creek Basin, is 1.9
miles long. “Centella” is
the Spanish word for “thunderbolt.” Be sure to notice the
trees which have been struck by lightning on this exposed
point. This area, which was the site of a small but hot fire in 1987,
provides an
excellent opportunity to observe how the forest regenerates
after such a disturbance. Aspen, one of the first tree species to sprout
after a
fire, are growing on the north end of the ridge. Various
wildflowers and grasses cover much of the fire site. Insects and birds
are plentiful,
and animals such as black bear seem to welcome rather than
regret the meadow that has been created.
From the same junction, Flys Peak Trail goes up and over
the top of that mountain’s 9,666 foot summit. Along the way,
it negotiates one of steepest climbs in this part of the Chiricahuas.
A
good overlook is available a short distance south and west
of the summit.
Bear Wallow Trail completes a rough loop that connects
either with the south end of Flys Peak Trail or the Crest Trail #270
at one
end, and with the Centella Trail at the other.
Attractions:
Spectacular views
Plentiful wildflowers 1 mile (#333)
Observe regrowth of forest after fire
Watchable wildlife
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 1.9 miles (#334), 1.1 miles (#337),
Elevation: 9,080'-9,260'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Chiricahua Peak, 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, drive 4 miles, then turn right (south) on FR 42. Continue
up Pinery Canyon 12 miles to FR 42D. Drive about 2.5
miles to the Rustler Park Campground.
Access these trails via the Crest Trail about 2.5 miles from
the campground. See Crest Trail #270 (Barfoot Lookout to Wilderness
Boundary) narrative.
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:
All these trails are entirely within the Chiricahua Wilderness
and are accessible by trail only.
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.
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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