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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Clark Peak Trail #301
Spectacular views come one after the other as this trail
winds along the spine of the Pinaleños. Clark Peak Trail follows
a roller coaster course along the mountain’s high ridge northwest
beyond the end of the Swift Trail (FR 803). From an elevation
of 9,000 feet at the trailhead, it drops 2,000 feet to Taylor Pass
and then
climbs to the summit of 8,600-foot West Peak. Views alternate
toward different sides of the mountain as the trail winds back and
forth across
the ridge. On the north and east sides of the ridge,
the Gila Valley, the Santa Teresa mountains and the towns of Safford,
Thatcher and Pima
spread out at your feet. On south and west facing slopes,
the Winchesters, the Galiuros, West Peak and the Sulphur Springs
Valley stretch to the
horizon.
Vegetation varies from mixed conifer to oak woodland
as elevation and aspect change. The trail skirts Clark
Peak, and you may want to take
a brief detour to the 10,022-foot summit to enjoy the
view. Early on you’ll cross Hurricane Pass, so named because there’s
always a strong wind blowing out of Babcock Canyon. Here the constant
gale has
sculpted the trees into bent and twisted shapes that bear
testimony to the stress of living in such an inhospitable place.
Between Hurricane
Pass and the Taylor Trail #306, you will be traveling through
an old burn area. The trail may be difficult to follow through the
grass and
shrubs.
This is a long trail in rough country and, if you choose
to travel it out and back, it makes a better overnighter
than a day trip. Clark Peak Trail also connects with
a number of other trails that lead
to various access points around the mountain, but you’ll need
to set up your own shuttle or have a friend pick you up if you wish
to make
a long one-way trip.
Attractions:
Spectacular views
Top of the world perspective
Good backpack
Connecting trails
Season: Late spring to early fall
Length: 6.7 miles
Elevation: 7,100'-9,000'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Webb Peak, Blue Jay Peak
Access: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191
to AZ 366 (Swift Trail). Turn right
(southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive
29 miles to the Columbine Visitor
Information Station. Continue along FR 803 (Swift Trail) about 5
miles
to the Riggs Flat turnoff and then another 2 miles
to the trailhead at the end of FR 803. The
last 12 miles of this road are narrow
and winding.
This trailhead is not accessible
from November 15 to April 15 when the Swift Trail is
closed for the winter. Early or late snow may extend the inaccessible
season.
Or, take Forest Road 286 south from the town
of Pima. Follow this road 12 miles to
the Forest boundary, continue 15 miles farther to the West Peak
lookout. The
last 2 miles of this road may require a high clearance
vehicle;
a 4-wheel
drive is preferable. The trailhead is alongside the
road just before it arrives at
the lookout. During the winter months, snow conditions
may close access to this trailhead.
Notes:
There is no water along this trail. Bring
plenty, you’ll need it. This
trail can be hot in summer.
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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