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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Crest Trail #270 (Wilderness Boundary to Monte Vista Lookout)
The Crest Trail is actually a system of trails, spurs and
side loops that sits like an inverted letter “Y” on the
central ridge of the Chiricahuas. To make the job of describing this
trail network a bit more manageable, we have broken it up into three
parts. This guide page describes the trail from the northern boundary
of the Chiricahua Wilderness to the foot of the upside down Y’s
southwestern leg on Monte Vista Peak. About 2.5 miles from the Wilderness
boundary, the trail reaches Junction Saddle. The southeast fork of
the Crest Trail #270 goes to Sentinel Peak. (A guide page entitled ”Crest
Trail #270 (Junction Saddle to Sentinel Peak)” describes the
southeastern leg). Between the Wilderness boundary and Monte Vista
Peak, the Crest Trail offers access to a land of diverse forests, wildflower
clad meadows, soaring overlooks and some of the highest summits in
the mountain range. Particular features accessible along this section
of the Crest include Flys Peak, Anita Park, Chiricahua Peak and the
unmatched views of Monte Vista Peak. Centella Point, Winn Falls, Anita
Spring and Booger Spring are accessible via spurs or connecting trails.
Another aspect of this trail is its pleasant character.
Much of it wanders along a wide and easy to follow
trail, cushioned with pine
needles and shaded by tall trees. The gradient is moderate,
and grassy parks and distant vistas appear with pleasing
frequency. Even the wildlife
seems cooperative. It’s a good place to see Coues white-tailed
deer, a variety of songbirds and the retreating shadow of a shy black
bear. Numerous side trails provide plenty of opportunity for added adventure.
Attractions:
Top of the Chiricahuas trail
Mountains and meadows
Great views
Day trips and overnights
Access to dozens of other trails
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 6.3 miles
Elevation: 8,500’-9,600’
Rating: Easy
Use: Heavy (Especially weekends and holidays)
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
and 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. The main
access to this
trail is via the Barfoot Lookout to Wilderness
boundary segment of the Crest Trail from
Rustler Park Campground
(see that page of the guide).
This trail can also be reached from a number
of connecting canyon trails.
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 of this trail segment is located
in 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.
Head southwest at Junction Saddle
to reach Monte Vista Peak.
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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