Route Editor
Route Scout
Carboniferous crusade by PrestonSands Overview: This description is of a short hike down lower Coal Creek canyon, which runs along the Arizona-New Mexico border, in the Big Lue Mountains. Specifically, this hike is along the lower portion of the creek, north of state highway 78, near Coal Creek Campground. The hike follows an atv trail along Coal Creek/s seasonal watercourse to a small park, among tall ponderosa pines. Lower Coal Creek is a conveniently located hike for those camping at Coal Creek Campground, or simply passing through the area. Mileage listed in the statistics is for a hike from Coal Creek Campground to the end of the atv trail and back. It is also possible to continue further down Coal Creek Canyon for a longer hike. Camping: Camping is available at Coal Creek Campground, where this hike begins, and at the end of the trail. Scattered pools of water may be found along Coal Creek during the spring, or during monsoon season, where bedrock forces it to the surface, but Coal Creek appears to be dry most of the year. Hike: Along highway 78, one tenth of a mile west of Coal Creek Campground, an unmarked dirt road heads north from the highway (33.10426 N, 109.06369 W), into an open camping area. Follow this road northwest through a little valley, along the route of Coal Creek. One third of a mile from Coal Creek Campground, the valley narrows into a canyon and the road (now a jeep trail) passes through a barbed wire gate (33.10666 N, 109.06571 W), into a grassy, open forest of pine and juniper. A short distance past the gate is a side road splitting off to the right, that goes uphill. Stay left, in the canyon bottom. The jeep trail soon crosses over to the west bank of Coal Creek, and immediately deteriorates into a narrow atv trail. There are several more creek crossings as the trail travels down the meandering canyon. At about the one mile point, the canyon makes a sharp turn to the south, and the trail terminates in a small, grassy park, shaded on the edges by tall ponderosa pines. There is a small flat along the creek at this point, perfect for camping. If you choose to hike further down the canyon, Coal Creek cuts an ever deepening channel into the basaltic bedrock, and water loving species such as ash and grapevine appear. Coal Creek eventually empties into the San Francisco River, many miles down canyon. Canyoneering skills may be required in some places. Otherwise, return the way you came. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Coal Creek Lower Canyon
I awoke to bright sunlight at my campsite near the Black Hills rockhounding area, tossed my sleeping bag into my truck and then started east on 191 for the New Mexico line to meet a botanist from Tucson at Coal Creek. We roamed Coal Creek, studying flowering specimens of an unusual cactus I had come across years ago. The willow patch had a small pool like always. Saw a few deer. After locating what we came for it was off to Black Jack for the second half of the day.
2014-05-11 PrestonSands
Coal Creek Lower Canyon
Deja-vu on trip #2:
Skies were again dark over the Big Lue Mountains and rain was coming down as I drove up highway 78, but I had another great hike on the edge of Arizona. Coal Creek was flowing cool and strong, and summer wildflower season was in full gear. The temperature was perfect, the air fresh and moist with only occasional sprinkles. I went "Teva Joe" style, which worked out well for the numerous creek crossings. Today's wildlife: a squirrel. Today's wildflowers: every color in the rainbow. I love the Big Lue Mountains!
Skies were again dark over the Big Lue Mountains and rain was coming down as I drove up highway 78, but I had another great hike on the edge of Arizona. Coal Creek was flowing cool and strong, and summer wildflower season was in full gear. The temperature was perfect, the air fresh and moist with only occasional sprinkles. I went "Teva Joe" style, which worked out well for the numerous creek crossings. Today's wildlife: a squirrel. Today's wildflowers: every color in the rainbow. I love the Big Lue Mountains!
2008-09-11 PrestonSands
Coal Creek Lower Canyon
Skies were dark over the Big Lue Mountains and rain was coming down as I drove up highway 78. I had my doubts, but I decided to go for it. I ended up having a great hike and a beautiful "Mid-May Monsoon" experience. The temperature was perfect, the air fresh and moist with a light breeze, skies filled with ragged clouds, and only a light rain for 10 minutes or so. I didn't see anyone else, nor did I expect to in the Big Lues.
This is a fine hike for anyone who enjoys solitude in open, rolling, ponderosa pine country.
This is a fine hike for anyone who enjoys solitude in open, rolling, ponderosa pine country.
2008-05-15 PrestonSands
