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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Grant Hill Loop Trail #322 & Cunningham Loop Trail #316
This is actually a system of trails that were designed specifically
with mountain biking in mind, but they provide some excellent hiking
as well. They consist of a collection of old logging roads that have
been closed to vehicles and new trails that have been constructed to
create a network of loops. These loops lead through areas of cool,
mixed conifer forests made up mostly of Douglas-fir, white fir, Engelmann
spruce and aspen groves. The big trees are interspersed with small
meadows. On each trail system, the old logging roads are easier traveling
than the more narrow connecting trails.
The Grant Hill Loop Trail is easiest travelled in a clockwise
direction. On this route, great views of the Sulphur
Springs Valley, Fort Grant and the Galiuro Mountains can be seen
from the end of the
first (eastern most) logging road. This is a beautiful
loop trail during the fall season when the aspen leaves are turning
a golden yellow. If
you would like the challenge of a more difficult route,
travel the outer loop counter clockwise. No matter which way you
travel; the outer loop
is 4.2 miles.
The Cunningham Loop Trail can be travelled as an independent
route or as an addition to the Grant Hill Loop Trail.
The main trail is 5.6 miles long, but there are some
side trails that may be worth exploring.
The trail crosses a few small drainages as well as
Grant Creek.
If you’ve brought your mountain bike, you’ll find the ride
moderate for the most part, with a few sections of trail that will wake
you up if you need more than beautiful scenery to get your attention.
If you’ve come here looking for a hike that doesn’t require
you to walk back by the same route you walked in, you’ve come to
the right place, too. And although this trail is designed for mountain
bikes, use levels are usually low enough that you don’t have to
worry about dodging bicyclists while you enjoy the view. To sum that
all up, these loop trails are an excellent place to be, whether you’ve
come to ride or stride.
Attractions:
Great for mountain biking
Old roads & new trails
Loop routes
Hospital Flat Campground nearby
Adjustable length for ride or hike
Season: Summer to early fall
Length: 5.9 miles (#322), 5.6 miles (#316)
Elevation: 9,000'-9,400'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Mt. Graham
Access: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US
191 to AZ 366 (the Swift Trail).
Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and
drive 23.5
miles beyond the Hospital Flat Campground
to the Grant Hill Loop trailhead on the left
side of the road and the Cunningham Loop trailhead on
the right side of the road. Cunningham Loop Trail
may also be accessed across Swift Trail from
Cunningham Camp. Parking is available at Cunningham
Camp.
Notes:
This trail is designed for mountain
bikes as well as hikers.
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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