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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Deadman Trail #70
If you look toward Mt. Graham from Safford, you’ll notice that
there is a lone mountain that stands between that higher range and the
town. Though it’s not as big as the Pinaleños, it may be
even more rugged and precipitous than its taller neighbors. This is Deadman
Peak. It is actually connected to Mount Graham by a high, sharp ridge
that isn’t obvious from the town and the highway. Trail #70 offers
access to this rugged offshoot of the Pinaleños by leading up
the drainage of Deadman Creek. This small stream tumbles
down the north side of the mountain through a precipitous canyon which
is home to a
couple of waterfalls that are quite picturesque during
spring flows.
The trail remains within the confines of Deadman Canyon
for its entire length, dropping down to the canyon floor for the
last quarter
of its journey to the Round the Mountain Trail #302.
Vegetation along the trail is characteristic of the Upper Sonoran
Desert zone except where
the trail follows the floor of Deadman Canyon. Here,
riparian species find a home along the stream which holds water for
most of the year.
Attractions:
Stream runs most of the year
Sonoran desert setting
Access to other trails
Season: Fall, spring, summer
Length: 3.4 miles
Elevation: 4,560'-6,280'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Low
USGS Map(s): Mt. Graham
Access: Drive northwest from Safford on US Hwy 70 and
turn south on 20th Ave. Turn right (west)
on Golf Course Rd. In about 0.5 mile there is an
intersection where you should bear left (45° to the left of Golf Course Rd.). Follow this
road to the pipeline road (not marked). To get to the trailhead, you’ll
have to weave around and behind the Thatcher golf course.
The road is rough and narrow and leads through several gates
on
its way
to the trailhead. A 4-wheel
drive vehicle may be needed.
Notes:
Purification of water is recommended prior to use.
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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