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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Sunnyside Canyon Trail #117
At the turn of the century, Sunnyside Canyon was filled
with the hustle and bustle of a couple of copper mines, a sawmill
and a
busy community. Now, it is a quiet haven for bird- watchers
and nature lovers. The trail that leads into this mountain valley,
which was once
called Glance Canyon, follows what remains of an old
wagon road. The road provided access to the community of Sunnyside
as well as the Copper
Glance and Eureka mines. Sycamores and ponderosa pines
shade this easy-going pathway as it wanders up-canyon. Trailside
riparian habitat, nourished
by the seasonal flow of the canyon’s intermittent stream, provides
a home and foraging area for a variety of colorful songbirds
and other wildlife. At several points along the trail, evidence can
be seen of
the mines and dwellings that existed here when as many
as 80 people called this pleasant area home.
Watchable wildlife and historic ambience make the lower
reaches of the Sunnyside Canyon Trail an excellent place for a leisurely
outing.
For those who enjoy more of a strenuous outing, it continues
on to high vistas and connections with other trails that wander deeper
into the
backcountry.
As the trail nears the head of Sunnyside Canyon, it climbs
a series of switchbacks that eventually take it to
a junction with the Crest Trail #103 high in the Huachucas. Views
along
this stretch of the
route are stunning and reach well into Mexico. After
enjoying the panorama you can either head back the
way you came or set out on a longer trip
along the Crest Trail and any of its numerous connectors.
Attractions:
Riparian area
Watchable wildlife
Historic mining area
Access to Huachuca Crest
Arizona Trail segment
Season: All year
Length: 4.6 miles
Elevation: 5,950'-8,475'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Miller Peak, Huachuca Peak
Access: Drive south 13 miles out of Sierra Vista
on Arizona Highway 92 to the Coronado
Memorial Road (FR 61). Turn
right (south) and continue through
the Coronado National Memorial to Montezuma Pass.
From the pass, continue on FR 61 about
8.4 miles to FR 48. Continue northwest on FR 98 and
drive 3.1 miles to FR 228.
Turn
north on FR 228 about 2.5
miles to FR 204. Turn right on FR 204
which ends in 0.9 mile at the trailhead.
Notes:
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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