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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Snowshed Trail #246
Good views of Cave Creek Canyon make this trail an excellent
way to get acquainted with the cliffs, caves, pinnacles
and peaks that give this scenic valley its unique character. The
trail leaves the
main road in Cave Creek Canyon, at a trailhead that is
convenient to all the campgrounds located there. It then follows
Snowshed Ridge,
an ascent that is relatively moderate in its initial
stretches, as it climbs toward the Chiricahua high country. The views
start right
from the trailhead and continue all along the route making
this trail a good one to follow even if you don’t have the
inclination to traverse all of its 10.1 miles.
As Snowshed Trail nears the peak for which it is named,
the gradient steepens and trailside vegetation changes from pinyon,
oak and
madrone to more high country species such as ponderosa
pine and aspen. About a half mile beyond Deer Spring is a trail junction
that presents
three alternative routes. Turning to the right (northeast)
takes you to Snowshed Peak along a course that offers better views
than the summit
itself. On the slopes of Snowshed Peak, switchbacks are
the rule as the trail traverses old talus slides presenting birds-eye
views of Cave Creek
Canyon and its South Fork. Continuing straight at the
junction takes you west to the Crest Trail #270 in the direction
of Chiricahua Peak,
and turning left heads you south to Juniper Spring on
the Crest Trail.
Attractions:
Great overlooks of Cave Creek Canyon
Views start at the trailhead
Access to the high country via Crest Trail
Desert to mountains diversity
Season: Spring, summer
Length: 10.1 miles
Elevation: 5,300'-9,665'
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Portal Creek, Chiricahua Peak,
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 4 miles to the trailhead.
All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Notes:
6.3 miles of this trail are within the Chiricahua
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.
Good views are available at Cypress Saddle, 3 miles
from the trailhead.
The trailhead for Snowshed Trail is on private
property. Please show respect for the landowner’s facilities
and privacy.
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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