| |
| Monte Vista Peak via Turkey Creek, AZ | |
|
| | Monte Vista Peak via Turkey Creek, AZ | | | |
|
|
Monte Vista Peak via Turkey Creek, AZ
| | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 10.91 Miles |
3,369 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.91 Miles | 4 Hrs 49 Mns | | 2.62 mph |
|
|
| 3,369 ft AEG | 39 Mns Break | | |
|
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | On Sunday our group, minus Claire & Jackie, headed up the Morse Canyon Trail. The four of us and dogs made good time up this steep trail. We were glad to find it in good condition overall. The trail makes a lot of switchbacks and the lower stretch is completely clear. The upper portion has some deadfall but it’s only a nuisance. We eventually topped out on the saddle next to Johnson Peak and discussed our options. Chumley & I wanted to push on Monte Vista Lookout while Kyle & FOTG and the dogs would return back down Morse Canyon.
The going to Monte Vista Peak is fairly straightforward as it follows the Crest Trail. There was more deadfall but none of it was too bad. The last stretch makes a good climb to the peak and you know you’re close when you see the lookout tower and cabin on the summit. The views up top were better than Chiricahua Peak as there aren’t as many trees. We enjoyed this peak tremendously and then returned to the saddle above Morse Canyon. From there Chumley and I continued around Johnson Peak and headed for Pole Bridge Trail. This top section was loaded with deadfall and was a pain to get through. I was a little worried but luckily it didn’t last too long.
The Pole Bridge Trail makes a steep descent through the forest as it switchbacks down the drainage. You eventually hit the creek bottom and follow that down. There was some deadfall along this trail but it was fine overall. The top section was the nightmare! We continued down and eventually hit the road and returned to camp thus completing our weekend getaway to the Chiricahuas. We packed up camp and then made a quick stop at Johnny Ringo’s Grave and then returned to Phoenix.
I really enjoyed the Chiricahua Mountains. I had no idea there were so many trails out here. A return trip is a must! |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
