| Rank: #12 | Summit Elevation: 9,357 ft. |
| Vegetation: Mexican pine species (Chihuahua pine) near trailhead, followed by Ponderosa pine and a large area beyond Buckskin Saddle burned in 1956 forest fire. Douglas fir near summit. | Frequently Seen Animals: white-tailed deer, black bear, hawks, and many other birds. |
| Hiking Season: Spring-Autumn |
| Name: Monte Vista Trail #221 | Difficulty: Moderate |
| Length of Hike (r/t): 9.2 miles (or 13.2 miles if you hike up from FR 74E) | Trail Elevation Change:
2,797
ft.
(or 3,300 ft. from FR 74E) |
| Water: No drinking water at trailhead. Intermittent and non-potable water at Bear Spring near summit. There will be a signed trail junction at the Bear Springs turnoff--follow the trail downhill about .2 miles to get to the springs. | Trailhead Elevation: 6,560 ft. |
| Tips: The Monte Vista Trail climbs to a sometimes-manned lookout tower. | |
| Hiking Permit Needed: None. | Maximum Group Size: 15 |
| Dogs Permitted: Yes, leashed. | Horses Permitted: Yes (processed feed preferred) |
| Cross-country Skiing Permitted: Yes. | Mountain Bikes Permitted: No. |
| Safety Tips: Be sure to bear-proof campsites. Monsoon storms are common during summer months, sometimes lasting several days. Bring raingear and dry clothes, and take care not to get caught above treeline during thunderstorms. No camping at lookout tower when manned. | |
| General Location: Southeastern corner of AZ | Trailhead Accessible to Low-Clearance Vehicles: Not recommended for FR 268. |
| Nearest Town: Elfrida (between Willcox and Douglas on US 191) | |
| Directions: From Elfrida, go north about 2 miles, turn right on Rucker Canyon Rd., which becomes FR 74. Go 16 miles, turn left and continue on Rucker Canyon Rd. Go 9 miles, turn left onto FR 74E. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, turn left onto FR268 at Cypress Park Campground, and go about 2 miles to trailhead and park where the road is blocked by boulders. Otherwise, park at the junction of FR 74E and FR 268. | |
| U.S.G.S. Quad Name(s): Chiricahua Peak | Office of Tourism Region: Old West Country |
| County: Cochise | Managing Agency: Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, 3081 N.Leslie Canyon Rd., Douglas, AZ 85607, 520-364-3468 |
| Web Site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/douglas/Recreation_Opportunities/Trails/trails.html | |