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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Crest Trail #270 (Junction Saddle to Sentinel Peak)
The southeast leg of the inverted “Y“ formed by the Crest
Trail leads from Junction Saddle to Sentinel Peak. The rest of this high
country trail is described on the guide pages entitled “Crest Trail
#270 (Barfoot Lookout to Wilderness Boundary)” and “Crest
Trail #270 (Wilderness Boundary to Monte Vista Lookout).” This
part of the trail leads to a number of features of interest
including Sentinel Peak, the southernmost summit in the Chiricahuas
(8,999 feet
high). Actually, Chiricahua Peak is also accessible via
this part of the Crest system, and Snowshed Peak is a one-mile side
trip off the trail.
Dark, cool Douglas-fir and Engelmann spruce stands dominate
for about the first mile of the trail as it bends around
the summit of Chiricahua Peak. Beyond that, the trail follows a course
with a more
southerly exposure through stands of sun-loving ponderosas.
This more open canopy means more frequent views, including some very
nice vistas
of upper Rucker Canyon and even views into Mexico. An
especially good stretch for views is the portion of the trail between
the Snowshed and
Price Canyon trail junctions.
The view at Sentinel Peak is somewhat obscured by trees;
however, from a point a short distance below the summit,
the trees open to provide a panorama that sweeps across sizable chunks
of Arizona, New
Mexico and Mexico. Closer at hand, the southern Chiricahuas
stretch out in front of you.
Attractions:
Big views
Peaks and ridges
Lots of connecting trails
Nine 9,000' summits along route
Wildlife, too
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 8,800'-9,600'
Rating: Easy
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Chiricahua Peak, Portal Peak
Access: From Crest Trail #270 (Barfoot Lookout to Wilderness
Boundary and Wilderness Boundary to Monte
Vista Lookout ) or Price Canyon Trail #224.
Notes:
All of this trail segment is located 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 can usually be found at Eagle
and Juniper springs. Purification
of water is recommended prior to
use.
Otherwise, this trail is dry and
it is
frequently hot. Bring lots of water.
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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