This was an old hike but a memorable one so I figured it was time to post the route and triplog for it. I became intrigued with the National Park System's I Hike For Health Challenge and set out that day for a hardcore (for me) day trip. Leaving phoenix about 3:45 AM I arrived to Coronado National Memorial visitor's station about 8am to start my planned hike.

The plan: Start on Joe's Canyon trail head; hike to Yaqui Ridge junction then do an out and back on Yaqui Ridge; return to junction then hike up the steep side of Coronado Peak to the viewing station; hike down Coronado Peak to Montezuma Pass then return to the starting point back at the Joe's Canyon trail head. Oh and of course swing by the visitor station to retrieve my I Hike For Health pin.

I found the hike up Joe's Canyon very enjoyable with nice switchbacks and plenty of shade at the start that transitions to more switchbacks and less tree cover. Great views back towards the visitor's station and Montezuma Peak. Exiting the canyon places you on a generally level hike along the ridge towards the Yaqui junction.

Yaqui was a short out and back but worth it to see the start of the Arizona Trail and stand at the border. Total silence and absolute solitude at this point. Just me and relentless wind. The hike back up got my legs burning and my breath huffing while taking in wonderful borderland views.

Hiking up the South side of Coronado peak seemed questionable after start, the trail which seemed clear at the start quickly proved to be more of a trace through the grass and loose gravel. Worth it for the surprised looks on the faces of visitors at the viewing station to see me stumble up out of nowhere.

The hike down Coronado to Montezuma's Pass was very straightforward, made a quick stop to the registry and observed the highly militarized border patrol and forest service presence. Something only found in the Southern reaches of the state. Return to the visitor station to high five the ranger, get my pin, and grab some awesome books from the bookstore to start my long drive back to Phoenix with a giant smile on my face.

Decided to add to my mileage on the day and visit another country. Easy trip down the hill. Didn't see anybody else, resident or alien, until JJ showed up just after I had begun to head back to the truck.

I spooked a deer who got stymied by the fence and then decided to charge straight at me down the trail. It took a second before I realized it was a deer and not something else, and I yelled "hey!" quite loudly! We were both startled, and it decided that charging me wasn't the best plan and hopped off into the long grass. A neat close-up experience.

On the way back up, JJ decided to hit the south side of Montezuma Peak, while I took Joe's around the east. Boy am I glad I did that! I saw an enormous bird in a dead tree, and despite being aware of my presence it seemed content to stay there. As I got to within 15 feet of it, it decided to fly off, but I was filming! I assumed it was some kind of eagle but I don't know my birds so I asked Outdoor Lover, and she opined that it is probably a juvenile bald eagle! I had no idea they didn't get their white markings until they get older!

I'd hesitate calling this guy juvenile anything! (I'd like to see that egg!) It stood over 2 feet tall when perched in the tree and had a wingspan greater than mine! Easily 5-6 feet! Just an awesome experience to see at such a close range!

Video here: https://youtu.be/bM ... 4Lhg
Make sure to change settings to HD 1080p if it's not there to begin with and view full screen for the best effect.

Trailhead @ Montezuma Pass: Begin on AZT heading south toward the border. - Another nice hike that is close to town and near to several other trailheads. Trailhead parking lot is vast & extremely well maintained! It is nearly downhill all the way to Border Monument #102. Arizona Trail forks to become Yaqui Ridge Trail - upon the return route you can bag Coronado Peak by taking the - 5+ level scamble goat path - clearly visible as you approach. Descend on the marked Coronado Peak Trail to parking lot. The overall avg. grade for this hike is 57.4%. GPS Route Available.

The other guys pretty much said it all. So cool hiking down to the Mexico border and seeing the vast green valley out there. The elevation climb on this one is definitely a workout, with a 3,000 ft climb in 6 miles without a letup. In places in the wilderness the aspens...the wildflowers too...were just spectacular. Storms threatened all day, but I was very thankful that they held off during our entire trip, until we were on our way home. As for wildlife, saw a whitetail briefly but that was about it.

Long, Long, Long day... Up at 12:15 am home at 10:30 pm...but way worth it!

After dropping off Denny's car at the North TH, we made our way on the road to the South TH at Montezuma's Pass and the Mexican Border.
Wondering while driving Nick's 4x4 truck if Denny's fwd Focus would be able to make the 5 or so creek crossings. With a little luck, no rain, and 4 people to pick it up if it got stuck.... we waited until later on this portion of the trip.... Heck, that was 10 plus hours in the future and we had some hiking to do.

Border Patrol was prevalent on the road and especially at Montezuma's Pass.

We suited up and made our way down to the border for some border crossing shots (Camera). We were barely able to slip through the 3' gaping hole in the fence, but we did.
quickly taking pictures on the Mexican side, we scurried back up the hill beginning our AZT #1 Hike.

I'm really loving these sky Islands. Starting in lowers desert flora and making your way all the way to Aspens and water a-plenty. I enjoyed all the green, rivers, waterfalls, and fields of flowers. The river we had to cross 40 or so times became a little tiring after awhile.

GREAT hike with a great group of misfits!
(Remember the Christmas cartoon special "The Island of Misfit Toys"? Joe reminds me of that little dentist wanna-be dude)

Denny - Great AmphiFocus memories, I wish we had video of that!
Nick - forgive me for the fingernail marks in the Grab Strap and Dashboard
Dave - Say something special to the man for us (Especially Joe)
Joe - Can we go one trip without you diving in front of the Camera?

6 Passages, 118+ miles down.

Met up with Bruce, Denny, Dave and Joe to take on the first segment of the Arizona Trail. After setting up the shuttle, we took off to the border and back, then "suited" up for the hike into the mountains. This beginning part of the Miller Crest Trail is much nicer than I remember, must be the time of year. Everything was as green as could be today and not long after hitting the crest the clouds rolled in and kept us cool the rest of the day. The Crest trail was the cleanest I've ever seen it. The flowers were spectacular, and true to Huachuca form, nearly overwhelming at times. Great trees and water EVERYWHERE only added to the awesomeness. The stretch of trail between miller peak and sunnyside canyon is as sweet as anything in southern arizona.

I knew this hike would rock, having done a little more than half of it already, but WOW. seriously.

Thanks guys, as always it was a blast.

and for the record, bob, i want you to know joe takes his job of being mean when you're not around very seriously.