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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Ida Peak Trail #274
If you begin your trip at the northern trailhead, on FR
42, you’ll start out among scrub oak and yucca on a dry slope
and climb 2,000 feet, first to Ida Saddle and then to Barfoot Park.
Vegetation
along lower stretches of the trail is stunted enough
to provide occasional views of the rocky bluffs and forested slopes
that hem in Pinery Canyon.
Switchbacks are the rule along much of this part of the
trail as it climbs from oak-juniper woodlands into a mature pine
forest. First,
however, it passes through an old burned area which in
1953 was the site of a large fire called the Ida Burn. The burn is
marked with a
sign, and nature is well on its way to reforesting the
area.
Above the burn, one of the most impressive stands of
pines in the Chiricahuas shades the trail and carpets it with pine
needles.
At Ida Saddle, you may choose to bushwhack your way along
game trails and rough pathways over to the twin summits of Ida Peak
(the easternmost
one has the best view). From the saddle, it’s a fairly easy mile
to Barfoot Park and trail’s end.
Attractions:
Good views
Lightly used
Big trees
Mountain meadow (Barfoot Park)
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 6,210'-8,280'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Rustler Park
Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 81 miles. Turn right
(south) on AZ 186 and continue for 23 miles.
Turn left (east) on AZ 181 toward Chiricahua National
Monument and drive 4 miles, then turn right (south) on FR 42. Continue
up Pinery Canyon 6 miles to FR 42C and the northern
trailhead. Or, continue
up FR 42, turn
right on 42D and right on FR 357 to southern trailhead (high clearance
vehicle recommended).
Forest Roads 42 is a gravel road suitable for
passenger vehicles. This road is open April
through November. The road is not plowed and is usually
closed
following
early or late season snowstorms. This road is rough and dusty
and may be muddy and slick after a rain.
Notes:
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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