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Anyone interested in doing some local (sierra vista) hikes?

Someone from Tucson should jump on this. The Huachucas are a really interesting mtn. range. You can enter from either the National Forest, or sometimes (when there is no national emergency) through the Army base. The Arizona Trail also goes through there.

I go down there on a semi-regular basis. Dayhiking in the Huachucas or Dragoons is nice, especially in warm weather. But I am leery of overnights any more due to the traffic in illegals (actually, it is the coyotes I am afraid of, not the ordinary pollitos). Same with the E side of the Santa Ritas. For overnights, I feel more comfortable in the Chiricahuas, b/c it is not a commonly used smuggling corridor. I will give you a buzz next time I decide to go down that way and maybe we can hit the trail together.

I hike down there pretty frequently and I've only ever had two encounters with any of that business, but in both cases they were pretty intense so I would definitely echo the warnings of those posting before me. Most of those clowns are doing their very best to avoid human contact so if you make your presence known they will likely give you a wide berth. Aside from that, a lot of that Canelo Hills area is still pretty unspoiled. The trails in the Huachuca range, especially in the Miller Peak area, always make me think: "This must be what the Santa Ritas used to look like."

I live in Sierra Vista . I know of a very simple one mile hike to a beautiful little campsite that has water along the clark springs trail that is perfect for just getting out for a simple overnight gear shakedown. It is in an area that does not see much ilegal imigration or drug mule traffic. Put this in google earth to see what i am talking about: 31°25'45.63"N 110°16'26.72"W

aa7jc wrote:I live in Sierra Vista . I know of a very simple one mile hike to a beautiful little campsite that has water along the clark springs trail that is perfect for just getting out for a simple overnight gear shakedown.

Sharing a "secret spot".. Thank you! I have had this Miller Peaks Wilderness area on my "to do" list for the past 2 years. One of these weeks I am going to make it down there for an extended camping & hiking trip. I would imagine that our AZ Autumn season must be wonderful in this area, and would probably also be a great escape in Summer from our PHX area heat!