Nestled in the high desert at the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains, Sierra Vista is known throughout Arizona as a premier hiking destination. Every year, residents and visitors embrace the amazing hiking that Sierra Vista has to offer with the Sky Islands Summit Challenge which is now in its 7th year. This challenging endeavor offers experienced hikers three different route options, each more rigorous than the last. Continue reading to learn more about this growing tradition that inspires outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Arizona and beyond to take on some of the most challenging yet rewarding hiking that Sierra Vista has to offer.
What Are Sky Islands?
Sky islands are isolated mountain ranges that can be found throughout Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico. These mountain ranges boast peaks that reach more than 6,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor, creating unique ecosystems that are dramatically different than the deserts below. Sierra Vista’s sky islands include Carr and Miller Peaks in the Huachuca Mountains, where changing elevations take you through cottonwood and oak forests with ponderosa pine forests closer to the peaks. Temperatures may be 20-30 degrees cooler than on the valley floor, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, the sky islands experience plenty of annual snowfall in the winter, creating white peaks during the winter months and seasonal waterfalls as the snow melts each spring.
What Is the Sky Islands Summit Challenge?
The Sky Islands Summit Challenge was created for the most rugged hiking enthusiasts who want to claim bragging rights for taking on some of the toughest hikes in Cochise County. There are three different routes participants can choose from, but even the easiest is a moderately difficult hike with substantial elevation changes. For each hike, participants will meet at The Cove and be shuttled to the trailhead. See times below. This year’s challenge will take place on Saturday, May 25th. Start times will vary depending on your selected route.
- One Summit – The One Summit Challenge will bring participants to Carr Peak which is at 9,236 feet. The hike has an elevation gain of 3,680 feet and spans 10.8 miles. Hikers will traverse Ramsey Canyon, Hamburg Trail, Crest Trail, Carr Peak Trail, and Miller Canyon Trail. After the initial climb, the hike remains very challenging, with a steep 3,375-foot descent along Miller Canyon Trail. This hike begins at 7:30 a.m., from The Cove parking area at 6:50 a.m.
- Double Summit – Double your fun and truly test your skills with the Double Summit Challenge. This hike continues beyond Carr Peak to Miller Peak (9,465 feet), total elevation gains 4,596 feet over 15 miles. This hike is categorized as difficult-to-very-difficult, and it requires participants to reach Bathtub Spring by noon to complete the challenge. The Double Summit begins at 6:15 a.m., with the shuttle departing The Cove at 5:30 a.m.
- Elite Triple Summit – For the ultimate test of your strength and endurance, take on the Elite Triple Summit Challenge, which includes Carr and Miller Peaks, plus Pat Scott (8,517 feet). With an 18.1 mile route and 5,146 feet in elevation gain, this challenge is reserved for extreme athletes. The hike begins at 5:00 a.m., with the shuttle taking off from The Cove at 4:20 a.m. Hikers must reach Bear Saddle by 1:00 p.m. to complete the challenge.
How to Sign Up
Registration is limited to 100 slots per challenge. All participants must be aged 18 or older, and registration will be open until the day before the event or until all available slots are filled. The cost for registration varies depending on your selected challenge and includes a swag bag, event shirt, and bragging rights.
- Single Summit – $50
- Double Summit – $75
- Triple Summit – $100
How to Prepare
The Summit Challenge will take place in any weather conditions except extreme thunder and lightning. You should be prepared with appropriate clothing for all conditions, including rain. Dress in lightweight layers, as temperatures will be much cooler at each summit than they are in Sierra Vista. Additionally, hikers should bring along plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, hiking poles, and other provisions needed for a long day of hiking.
While the Sky Islands Summit Challenge is a popular event in Sierra Vista, you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Huachuca Mountains and other outdoor destinations in Cochise County. As a resident of Sierra Vista, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and you’ll find a wealth of local events like the Summit Challenge to help you appreciate and explore the area even further.
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