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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Silver Peak Trail #280
The Silver Peak Trail offers excellent views as soon as
you pass the trailhead sign. This desert pathway is located in magnificent
Cave Creek Canyon and provides one of the best opportunities
for getting
a broad view of the canyon that has been called the Yosemite
of the Southwest. This trail is located just a short distance up-canyon
from
the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center. If you don’t want
to take a long hike or ride here, at least take a short one, especially
if you’re just arriving at Cave Creek.
The views you’ll find along lower stretches of the trail provide
an excellent introduction to this beautiful and dramatic area. They may
even convince you to take a longer trip, perhaps all the way to Silver
Peak’s 7,975 foot summit. It’s a 3,000 foot climb and anything
but easy, however the panorama is unforgettable. The climb
starts among desert grassland vegetation, such as sotol and agave,
and climbs to the
Douglas-fir forests of the Canadian Zone. From higher reaches
of the trail, you can see much of the eastern slopes of the Chiricahuas
including
the canyons that Cave Creek, the South Fork of Cave Creek,
and East Turkey Creek have cut into the mountain range. To the east,
the extensive grasslands
of the San Simon Valley stretch to the Peloncillos and
into New Mexico. At the summit, along with the panoramic views, you
will see the remains
of the Silver Peak Lookout which burned down in an October,
1992, thunder and snow storm.
Attractions:
Close to campgrounds and visitor center
Desert to mountaintop diversity
Views start immediately
Season: Spring, summer Overlooks of Cave Creek Canyon Length: 4.6 miles
Elevation: 4,960’-7,975’
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Portal
Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US
80 (you will cross the New Mexico border
to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) and drive 28 miles,
then turn right (west) on the road to Portal, 7 miles. Drive
west on
FR 42
approximately 1 mile to Cave Creek Visitor
Information Center and trailhead. All roads are
paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Notes:
This is a 3,000 foot climb along a desert trail which can
be quite hot on a sunny day. Bring lots of water.
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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