| About Coronado National Forest |
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| Crest Trail (Junction Saddle to Sentinel Pk) |
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Length:
5.5 Miles
USGS Maps:
Chiricahua Pk, Portal Pk
Trail Number:
270
Elevation Gain:
800 Feet
Difficulty:
Easy
Beginning Elevation:
8,800 Feet
Usage:
Light
Ending Elevation:
9,600 Feet
Reservation:
No
Season:
Spring - Summer
From Tucson, Follow directions to Barefoot Lookout to Wilderness Boundary and Wilderness Boundary to Monte Vista Lookout sections of the Crest Trail. Or take Price Canyon Trail #224.
Location Information
The southeast leg of the inverted "Y" formed by the Crest Trail leads from Junction Saddle to Sentinel Peak. This section of the Crest Trail leads to a number of features of interest including Sentinel Peak, the southernmost summit in the Chiricahuas (8,999 feet high). Actually, Chiricahua Peak is also accessible via this part of the Crest System, and Snowshed Peak is a one-mile side trip off the trail.Dark, cool Douglas-fir and Engelmann spruce stands dominate for about the first mile of the trail as it bends around the summit of Chiricahua Peak. Beyond that, the trail follows a course with a more southerly exposure through stands of sun-loving ponderosas. This more open canopy means more frequent views, including some very nice vistas of upper Rucker Canyon and even views into Mexico. An especially good stretch for vistas is the portion of the trail between Snowshed and Price Canyon Trail junctions. The view at Sentinel Peak is somewhat obscured by trees, however, from a point a short distance below the summit, the trees open to provide a panorama that sweeps across sizable chunks of Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. This trail is 5.5 miles in length and offers big views, hiking along peaks and ridges, lots of connecting trails, and nine 9,000 foot summits along the route. Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness Areas.
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