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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Shake Trail #309
Shake Trail leads from the oak and juniper grasslands of
Stockton Pass to the pine and juniper forests of the
Pinaleño’s
upper slopes. Along its winding, sloped course it provides views of
the Greasewood Mountains and Sulphur Springs Valley to the south and
west, as well as close-up views of the various habitats that make up
the complex environment of this desert mountain range. Along your way,
you’ll pass through life zones that range from upper Sonoran
Desert to mixed conifer forest and see plants that vary
from cholla cactus to Douglas-fir.
Wildlife varies as much as the plant life along this
mountain trail. Watch for tracks and other sign of
javelina, mountain lion, mule
deer and black bear. If you’re lucky, you may see more than tracks.
While deer are by far the most frequently encountered of these large
forest mammals, black bear sightings are quite common as well. The Pinaleños
have one of the densest populations of these shy omnivores
in all of North America.
During the summer, you may want to travel this trail
from the top down to take advantage of the gradient.
In the winter, you may
choose to start at the lower trailhead for an out and
back trip. The upper trailhead on Swift Trail is frequently
snowed in during the winter.
Attractions:
Great views
Both pine forest and desert settings
Easy access
Watchable wildlife
Season: Year-round (lower elevations only)
Length: 5.1 miles
Elevation: 5,500'-8,500'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Low
USGS Map(s): Stockton Pass
Access: Shake Trail has two road access points. One
trailhead is located on the Swift Trail
(AZ 366), the main road along the top of
the Pinaleños. Drive 8 miles
south of Safford on US 191 then turn southwest on AZ 366 and
continue about 17.5 miles to the trailhead on the left,
approximately 1 mile past Ladybug
Saddle.
The lower trailhead is located near Stockton Pass Campground. From Safford, drive south 17 miles on US 191 to AZ 266. Turn
right (southwest)
onto
AZ 266 and continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground.
Walk through the fenced
area north of the picnic area; the trail starts at a gate located
in the
northwest corner.
Notes:
The upper trailhead is accessible from mid-May through
November. The lower trailhead at Stockton Pass Campground is accessible
year-round.
No water available; bring your own. This trail is quite steep.
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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