The Huachuca Mountains are part of the Sierra Vista range of the Coronado National Forest. Located in Cochise County, they span 755 square miles and have an elevation of 9,466 feet. They are the third highest of the Sky Island mountain ranges, and offer year-round hiking, camping, and recreation with gorgeous views, scenic overpasses, and beautiful foliage. Visitors and residents love visiting the Huachuca Mountains for bird watching, hiking, and exploring rare species of animals and plants.
Hiking the Huachuca Mountains
There are many areas in the Huachuca Mountains that offer scenic hikes and drives. Hiking the mountains gives you the chance to see rare butterflies, plants, and birds. The hiking trails range from easy to difficult, with the most popular easy trail being the Reservoir Hill Picnic Area trail. This trail runs for two miles parallel to Huachuca Canyon Road, and eventually connects with the Huachuca Canyon Trail. A popular moderate trail is Parker Canyon Lake, which is 4.8 miles long and takes around an hour and a half to hike. A popular hard trail is the Blacktail Pond and Deep Spring Loop trail, which has beautiful views and significant elevation change.
Birdwatching
Birdwatchers visit Huachuca Mountains for a chance to see rare species like the Elegant Trogon, Whiskered Screech Owl, White-eared hummingbird, blue-throated hummingbird, sulphur-bellied flycatcher, buff-breasted flycatcher, and red-faced warbler. The best times to visit for bird watching are from spring to early fall. The best places to birdwatch are the east slope canyons, including Miller Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, and Carr Canyon.
Camping & Cabins
Huachuca Mountains offer campground camping and group camping opportunities. Campground camping can be found at Carr Canyon Road #368 Scenic Drive at Carr House, Ramsey Vista Campground, and Reef Townsite Campground. Group camping activities are available at the same locations. Horse camping is available at Carr Canyon Road #368 Scenic Drive at Carr House and Ramsey Vista Campground, as well as at Crest #103 Trailhead, Miller Peak Wilderness, and Pay Scott Canyon #123.
Other Notable Areas
In addition to hiking trails, there are other notable or special places to visit in the Huachuca Mountains:
- East Side Canyons – East Side Canyons offer spring-fed streams and high canyon walls, which create a cool, lush environment. You’ll find sycamores and maples, as well as desert cacti.
- Miller Peak Wilderness – Miller Peak Wilderness is 20,190 acres along the high country at the southern end of the Huachuca Mountain range. You’ll find an extensive hiking trail system, amazing views, and rare plants.
- Coronado National Memorial – Coronado National Memorial Park honors the first major European expedition into the southwest in 1540. The park has grasslands and evergreen oak woodlands, as well as chances to view rare birds, plants, and other wildlife.
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