Sunday, June 22, 2014

Carr Peak Huachuca Mountains May 26, 2014

                          Hiking up Carr Peak

Directions: Take State Route 92 south of Sierra Vista. Turn right onto Carr Canyon Road. After 1.2 miles the road becomes gravel. Eventually the road gains elevation quickly through some hairpin turns. I definitely wouldn't drive this road if you get vertigo or if there is a chance of rain. After seven miles turn left at the Reef Townsite Campground. The trail head is at around 7200 feet so actual elevation gain to the summit is a little over 2,000 feet.

The Hike:Round trip to Carr Peak is about six miles long. Because of this shorter length the peak is popular with locals and visitors who do not want a longer hike. The first part of the trail is on the Sawmill Trail an old road used during the Reef Townsite boom years. This trail is not very pretty, rocky and extremely hot.  At the entrance to the Miller Peak Wilderness the old road becomes a rocky trail. Here the trail  begins to gain elevation rapidly through a series of switchbacks.  It continues its ascent passing through a forest that burned in 1977. There are a few stands of Douglas fir and Gambel oak which did not burn. The trail swings around Carr Peak before cresting the summit. At the top it is possible to see many mountain ranges including the Whetstones to the north and the Chiricahuas and Dragoons to the east. I do not suggest this trail during the heat of the summer because it is very exposed to the sun. If visitors are looking for a longer hike it is possible to continue on to the Huachuca Crest Trail.

                   Miller Peak

                Looking north

                 Picture of myself on top


                          Nice shady spot for a rest,


                         Colorful lizard