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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Devil’s Canyon Trail #237, North Bruno Trail #237A & Rucker
Peak Trail #601
The Devil’s Canyon/North Bruno Trail system offers access into
an area of remote canyons, odd rock formations and bluff-faced peaks
on the south end of the Chiricahua Mountains. Devil’s Canyon,
so far as anyone knows, is so named because the pinnacles, needles
and balanced
rocks that form its canyon walls resemble distorted human
forms. The trail leaves Rucker Canyon Road and heads up-canyon, under
the watchful
eye of these devil rocks, as it wanders its way among riparian
stands of sycamore, willow and ash. This vital streamside habitat provides
an
excellent place to enjoy a little birdwatching and perhaps
catch a glimpse of some larger wildlife before the trail leaves the
canyon floor to begin
its gradual climb, through oak and juniper, to Bruno Saddle.
From Bruno Saddle, a side trail (Rucker Peak Trail #601)
leads to Rucker Peak’s 7,136 foot summit, one of the highest in
the southern Chiricahuas. The main trail continues from the saddle down
into North Bruno Canyon. Here, it follows the riparian area to the junction
with the North Bruno Trail #237A. This latter trail connects the Devil’s
Canyon Trail to a trailhead off the Rucker/Tex Canyon road, FR 74, at
the end of FR 4818. From the Devil’s Canyon/North Bruno trail
junction one can choose to head up North Bruno Canyon and end the journey,
or
continue down North Bruno Canyon to explore more of this
remote area. The North Bruno Trail ends at a junction with a 4-wheel
drive road at
the confluence of North and South Bruno Canyons. There
is, however, no public vehicular access to this point.
Attractions:
Picturesque rocks
Riparian area
Loop possible (with shuttle)
Climb Rucker Peak
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 3.7 miles (#237), 3.8 miles (#237A), Watchable wildlife 0.8 mile (#601)
Elevation: 5,410’-7,136’
Rating: More difficult
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Bruno Peak, Swede Peak, and Stanford Canyon
Access: From Douglas, take Leslie Canyon Road north.
Stay on the main road, which becomes
FR 74, for 38 miles. The Devil’s Canyon Trailhead is located
on FR 74 west of the FR 74E/Camp Rucker Campground intersection.
The North Bruno
Trailhead is located further east and south on FR 74
at the intersection of FR 4818.
Notes:
Forest Road 74 can be used to make a loop incorporating
part of the Devil’s
Canyon Trail and the North Bruno Trail.
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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