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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Hamburg Trail #122
Many people refer to this as the Ramsey Canyon Trail. It
starts at the parking lot of the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey
Canyon Preserve, which is famous around the world for its fabulous
birdwatching. You’ll have to obtain a free permit to cross the
Preserve (available at the visitor center at the trailhead) and, if
you’re coming on a weekend or holiday, you’ll want to
call in advance to reserve a spot in their parking lot. The only
parking
in this canyon is at the Preserve, where spaces are extremely
limited and in very high demand.
Once you’ve taken care of your vehicle and have your hiking permit,
you’re ready to head up-canyon. About the first mile of the trail
is on Nature Conservancy property, where you’ll no doubt have
a lot of birdwatchers for company. You might want to join them, at
least
for a while, as this canyon boasts one of the most diverse
bird populations in the U. S.
At the upper limit of the Preserve, some steep switchbacks
take you into the Coronado National Forest and the
Miller Peak Wilderness. Your reward for climbing this far is
a good overlook of lower Ramsey
Canyon and the San Pedro Valley. Above the switchbacks,
the trail drops back down to the creek and follows
it through a riparian zone as lush
and as pleasant as any you will find in the Southwest.
Hundreds of small waterfalls and rocky cascades tumble
past gnarly sycamores and lacy-limbed
firs to add to the picturesque nature of this outstanding
area. The trail crosses the stream more times than
you’ll want to count as you
climb toward the upper elevations of the Huachucas. (This can cause problems
if the water level is high.) Farther along, you’ll pass the remains
of old mining digs and leveled homesites that once were
occupied by the cabins of the old mining settlement of Hamburg. The
trail then follows
Wisconsin Canyon to good views, broader horizons and a
junction with the Crest Trail #103 at Bear Saddle.
Attractions:
Streamside hiking
World class birdwatching'
Other watchable wildlife
Great views
Historic mining district
Season: All year
Length: 2.8 miles
Elevation: 5,700'-8,075
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Miller Peak
Access: Drive 6 miles south of Sierra Vista on AZ
Highway 92 to Ramsey Canyon Road. Turn right
and follow Ramsey Canyon Road 3.5 miles to the Nature
Conservancy’s
Ramsey Canyon Preserve parking area and trailhead.
Parking reservations are required
for weekend and
holiday visits. Weekday parking is
on a space available basis.
Notes:
Since the Ramsey Canyon Preserve is private property,
a permit is required to hike across
it to the Hamburg Trailhead. The Preserve
is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Horses are not permitted on trails
within the Nature Conservancy Preserve.
Old mine shafts may be unstable
and are not safe to enter.
This trail is entirely within
the Miller Peak 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.
Before visiting this trail,
call the Sierra Vista Ranger
District for current trail
conditions which
can vary with season, weather
and maintenance status.
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