username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Silver Peak Trail #280 - 12 members in 29 triplogs have rated this an average 4.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2  Next
29 triplogs
login for filter options
May 29 2023
avatar

 Guides 94
 Routes 842
 Photos 22,068
 Triplogs 1,994

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 29 2023
chumleyTriplogs 1,994
Hiking10.72 Miles 3,303 AEG
Hiking10.72 Miles   5 Hrs   19 Mns   2.43 mph
3,303 ft AEG      54 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
John9L
We decided to get an early start to try and beat the heat at lower elevations. Early is relative, and we knew that this is an east-facing route so it wasn't surprising when the late-May sun began to take its toll, even in the morning.

The lower mile has been re-routed, eliminating the steeper direct route and replacing it with more moderate switchbacks. Once the route climbs around to the north side we found much more shade and as we climbed further, more tree cover.

As a trail, this is a fantastic route. The trail cut is masterful and while it hasn't been maintained recently, the overgrown stretches featured leaves and branches made of silk and pillows, a delightful change from most desert hikes.

The climb is steady and lasting. Far more switchbacks present themselves than the initial view at a GPS route might suggest. But eventually we topped out at the peak, enjoying the high point at the old lookout structure.

I also took a few minutes to head across to the benchmark, which featured far better views on the east side than the lookout point provided.

The way down got a bit warm and murderdog's black coat was not on his side so we took a few breaks in the shade to give him a chance to cool off. Eventually the relief of some poofy clouds provided some assistance.

Back down in the valley, I left my bluetooth speaker in a tree near the creek and connected it to a solar panel that also powered the old mp3 player I set to play the trogon call on a loop. The trail cam I set up on an adjacent tree should provide hours of entertainment when I collect the memory card later this year.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
May 20 2023
avatar

 Routes 9
 Photos 9
 Triplogs 12

59 female
 Joined Feb 22 2019
 CHANDLER, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 20 2023
mntncrvrTriplogs 12
Hiking8.80 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking8.80 Miles
3,124 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A beautiful day hiking Silver Peak in the Chiricahua Mountains. Trail is in very good shape overall. Got to a few sections where floppy grass was over the trail but very easy to negotiate. Saw a beautiful Sonoran King Snake. Views from the top were breathtaking! All in all a great day out.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
  1 archive
Apr 03 2023
avatar

 Guides 8
 Routes 70
 Photos 3,208
 Triplogs 273

59 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2023
YoderTriplogs 273
Hiking10.20 Miles 3,000 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles   4 Hrs   50 Mns   2.45 mph
3,000 ft AEG      40 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is an excellent trail. I would compare it to the Barnhardt Trail #43 as far as how well it is designed, these two trails are the best designed hikes I have been on. Easy to follow, elevation gain is not nearly as hard as one would expect. Views on the top are 360 degress of greatness.

I would recommend this hike if you are in the area.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
J. Yoder
 
May 27 2022
avatar

 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,126

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 27 2022
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,126
Hiking9.10 Miles 2,838 AEG
Hiking9.10 Miles
2,838 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
after a great night up at 8500 feet in the mountains i drove down the far side and revisited an old favorite of mine.

great hike as always. trail in great shape. the upper stretches through the trees are so nice. great views of course from the summit. the gnats were out in full force and it was pretty hot but it was worth it.
_____________________
hi
 
Feb 16 2022
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 79
 Photos 2,440
 Triplogs 652

34 male
 Joined Jan 10 2010
 Pomona, CA
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 16 2022
PatrickLTriplogs 652
Hiking9.14 Miles 3,200 AEG
Hiking9.14 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   2.13 mph
3,200 ft AEG13 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Made plans to hike this one and it happened to be on the day of a storm. I packed accordingly and did okay for the most part. Started out with some gloomy clouds rolling overhead, but plenty of sunshine. The ground changed colors like a kaleidoscope as I made my way north along the trail.

I’d say after maybe two miles, the sunlight was no more. I could see the moisture filling the air off in the distance. Somewhere around 7000, small flurries began to fall. By the time I hit the last batch of switchbacks, the snowfall had gained momentum.

I only stayed on the peak for a few minutes. The wind was blowing snow sideways and views were nonexistent. It was coming down enough to cover any tracks I had left on the way up. The trail, and everything around it, had been covered by a little more than an inch and it showed no signs of stopping. It was beautiful, but I kept moving aside from some pictures and layer adjustments.

All of the brush along the last two miles held water and it wasn’t long before my pants were soaked through. Back on the straight section headed due south, I was treated to a gorgeous display of brief sunlight. All of the cliffs in Cave Creek bathed in sunshine with receding clouds. I snapped a ton of pictures before the clouds rolled back in and rained on me. My knee was killing me and even my waterproof (or resistant?) boots had water in them. Those few minutes of dramatic views/photos were well worth it.
_____________________
 
Apr 23 2021
avatar

 Routes 4
 Photos 20
 Triplogs 3

53 male
 Joined Apr 29 2012
 Tucson, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2021
britton2Triplogs 3
Hiking9.32 Miles 3,056 AEG
Hiking9.32 Miles   4 Hrs   48 Mns   2.18 mph
3,056 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
Nov 29 2020
avatar

 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Run/Jog avatar Nov 29 2020
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Run/Jog9.40 Miles 3,015 AEG
Run/Jog9.40 Miles   2 Hrs   59 Mns   3.32 mph
3,015 ft AEG      9 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Decided to check out Silver Peak on the way out. Looked like it should offer a good view.

Trail climbs steadily, but it's not overly steep. Once into the north face, vegetation changes to conifers, and it was quite chilly in the shade.

Summit was much warmer, and provided the expected view, and then some.

Ran down at a pretty decent pace. I liked this trail more than I expected.
_____________________
 
Oct 03 2020
avatar

 Guides 8
 Photos 48
 Triplogs 66

55 male
 Joined Mar 07 2003
 Apache Junction,
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 03 2020
whereveriroamTriplogs 66
Hiking8.80 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking8.80 Miles   5 Hrs      1.76 mph
3,124 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I've been hiking in AZ for over 20 years and had never hiked this peak until this past May. Due to our planned Blue Range backpack getting smoked out, we had to come up with a new plan. We decided to go to the east side of the Chiricahua's. The new plan was to backpack up the Greenhouse trail to Cima Cabin but beer stopped by our campsite and we lost our ambition. Besides a few small pools, the very dry Cave Creek also influenced our decision. We opted for this hike since I liked it so much. Few people, a big climb and unburnt forest, what more can one ask for?

The beginning of this hike is confusing since there are a bunch of horse/cattle/birder trails at the start. If you head up to the east side of the imposing rock mass ahead of you, you should find the trail with little problem. If you still have a problem, locate the fence line of the adjacent Forest Service Ranch visitor center (you pass it on the drive), follow it and you'll be on track. Start early when the temps are going to be warm, the first mile or so will be hot.

The trail feels longer than the 4.5 miles posted on the trail sign. We had one of those gadgets that just about everyone stares at on their hikes, called a GP Something and somehow the numbers matched at the end of the hike with the trail sign. Nothing spectacular at least for me besides vegetation and trees until you hit the peak on this hike.
The summit has a foundation on it, the remains of a lookout cabin that burned down back in the 1990's. This would be a great spot to overnight, the sky would be AMAZING. There's a nice water collection cistern up here but something seems a miss here and I think a little TLC would bring it back to reliable use. Maybe I spaced out and missed something while inspecting it but it would be nice not to have to carry water up for an overnight. This appears to be a dry mountain, we passed 2 maybe 3 spots that would have seasonal water and they looked like they'd only run for a few days after a good storm.
_____________________
Arizona Backpackers ClubCopper State Backpackers
 
May 08 2020
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,487
 Photos 16,077
 Triplogs 1,377

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2020
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,377
Hiking9.60 Miles 2,999 AEG
Hiking9.60 Miles   4 Hrs   32 Mns   2.46 mph
2,999 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was day #2 of hiking in the Chiricahuas, and this turned out to be an awesome hike!

We started a little later than I would have liked, and it was a bit warm, but it turned out to be fine. There was some sun exposure on the early part of the hike, but there was a bit of cloud cover and an occasional breeze, so it wasn't bad.

There was a steady uphill grade up to the summit, but the views were great. The trail was a nice one to hike on, and I really enjoyed this hike. The 360 degree views at the summit were amAZing!

We saw no other hikers on the hike. When we got back to the TH there were a few domestic horses hanging around, and we saw a couple of deer run across the road. We also heard a couple of trogons barking at each other, but we did not see them. I imagine that this would be a good area for birders.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Natural Arch
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cochise Head  Silver Peak
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Apr 08 2020
avatar

 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2020
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking16.00 Miles 4,000 AEG
Hiking16.00 Miles   8 Hrs   30 Mns   1.88 mph
4,000 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Morning hike up Silver Peak on an excellent trail. Then over to beautiful South Fork in the afternoon - went upstream about 3.5 miles, turned around as the canyon narrowed and the scrambling increased.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Coatimundi
_____________________
 
Nov 03 2019
avatar

 Guides 4
 Routes 491
 Photos 10,890
 Triplogs 1,257

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Silver Peak, AZ 
Silver Peak, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 03 2019
BiFrostTriplogs 1,257
Hiking9.61 Miles 3,134 AEG
Hiking9.61 Miles   5 Hrs   16 Mns   2.13 mph
3,134 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners partners
slowandsteady
Sunday we hiked Silver Peak with the trailhead just 200 yards from the Cave Creek visitor center. We were able to hike from a forest service cabin we rented that’s next to the visitor center. The trail is in great shape, but it does gain little over 3,000 feet. However, it never gets that steep and is somewhat gradual over the 4.5 miles to the summit. There is also some really nice switchback trail construction to even out the elevation gain.

The trail winds around the backside of the peak before starting a series of switchbacks. A little color in the switchbacks but not nothing substantial. Eventually we reached the switchbacks below the summit which are impressive. Once at the top there are 51 steps that were constructed probably to make it easier to reach the fire tower which is no longer standing. However, the foundation that remains made for a great lunch spot with excellent views to Chiricahua Peak and the entire range.

After lunch we headed back down the trail which was quick with great trail and downhill. It seems like the trail should be longer with all the elevation gain and my track came out slightly higher than the posted distance. Either way it’s a great trail and worth the effort to the summit.
_____________________
  1 archive
Jul 20 2019
avatar

 Guides 5
 Photos 26,477
 Triplogs 808

female
 Joined Feb 15 2003
 outside, anywher
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 20 2019
RedRoxx44Triplogs 808
Hiking8.80 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking8.80 Miles
3,124 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice hike some shade and clouds but it looked like no rain in the offing. Warm low and nice high up. Near the top a couple of hawks decided I must look like a cradle robber and screeched and dive bombed me with abandon. After the first couple of close "whoosh" I ignored them. Nice views from the summit, and really most of the trail, although weird light with the sort of overcast then full on blasting sunlight. Lots of switchbacks but it makes a nice grade. I was going to car camp but didn't feel like seeking out shade with the seeming lack of serious clouds I just came home to the AC. I hope the monsoon shows up soon.
_____________________
 
Nov 26 2016
avatar

 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 26 2016
BoonemanTriplogs 4,634
Hiking9.16 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking9.16 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.45 mph
3,124 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The long awaited trip to Portal to hike Silver Peak finally came together this weekend as Matt and I made our way down to Southern Arizona. Nick was absolutely right in the description, you need to see this place to believe how spectacular the landscape is in that canyon. The hike is also quite pleasant as it climbs steadily with several neat rock features to keep it interesting and great views all around. There is plenty of camping nearby, which will help ease the distance from Tucson or Phoenix if you make this an overnight trip.
_____________________
 
Feb 13 2016
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 512
 Photos 5,579
 Triplogs 4,280

69 male
 Joined Mar 01 2009
 Aztec, NM
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2016
PivoTriplogs 4,280
Hiking9.26 Miles 3,118 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   5 Hrs   18 Mns   2.10 mph
3,118 ft AEG      53 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Floridasunshine
MyRudy
Sandy, Joseph and I did Silver Peak while the rest of the group was doing a cave survey. It was very warm at the start with full morning sun exposure, however we were in the snow after about 30 minutes and would remain there for the rest of the hike. I had left my poles in the truck and footing was slippery. Ugh. Slow going and extra work to summit this day.

When we returned to our campsite during setup just before sunset, we were treated to turkeys flying up to roost in the tall pines.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Apache Pine

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Cave Creek Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
  1 archive
Apr 17 2015
avatar

 Routes 11
 Photos 46
 Triplogs 49

54 male
 Joined Sep 15 2009
 Goodyear, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 17 2015
mwilesTriplogs 49
Hiking8.80 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking8.80 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns   2.46 mph
3,124 ft AEG      45 Mns Break9 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
For those inclined to study the night sky with telescopes (as I am)...Portal, AZ is known as one of the finest possible destinations to do so. A group of us were camped north of Portal off of Foothills Road for the weekend and we took on the task of hiking Silver Peak for a daytime activity. Holy cow!!

As fricknaley notes in the hike description, this is one of the unknown gems and definitely should be hiked more often. The trailhead is easy to find, with good parking. The trail itself is narrowish and a little loose in spots but overall is great for walking upon. It's a steady but relentless climb to the peak from the time you cross through the hiker's gate. Rewarded with view after view after view all the way up to the peak - but it all pales in comparison to the 360º views from the peak itself.

Now I have the dilemma on my next visit of deciding to hike something different in the Chiricahua's or tackling Silver Peak again. I suspect the decision will be some form of "both". Do yourself a favor - get to this trailhead and start walking. Your eyes will thank you.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Benchmark
_____________________
  1 archive
Jan 18 2015
avatar

 Photos 3
 Triplogs 106

26 male
 Joined Apr 23 2012
 Tucson, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 18 2015
MyRudyTriplogs 106
Hiking9.10 Miles 3,081 AEG
Hiking9.10 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.90 mph
3,081 ft AEG   1 Hour   17 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baja Arizona Hiking
Pivo
stanriddle
_____________________
 
Jan 18 2015
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 512
 Photos 5,579
 Triplogs 4,280

69 male
 Joined Mar 01 2009
 Aztec, NM
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 18 2015
PivoTriplogs 4,280
Hiking9.10 Miles 3,081 AEG
Hiking9.10 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.90 mph
3,081 ft AEG   1 Hour   17 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baja Arizona Hiking
MyRudy
stanriddle
The Cave Creek portion of the Chiricahua Mountains is one of the most beautiful in this entire range. Spectacular rock faces that command attention with dynamic morning and late afternoon light. Perfect weather today with forecast highs of the upper 60's.
Silver Peak had been on my radar for sometime, today was a perfect time for a day trip.
Some snow and ice on the Northern segments of the trail, very, very pleasant at the summit.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Cave Creek Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
 
Nov 17 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 269
 Photos 613
 Triplogs 1,360

50 male
 Joined Dec 22 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 17 2013
RedwallNHopsTriplogs 1,360
Hiking9.14 Miles 3,247 AEG
Hiking9.14 Miles   4 Hrs   33 Mns   2.49 mph
3,247 ft AEG      53 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
GrottoGirl
This has been on my list for quite a while and finally did it. Nice mellow hike.
_____________________
 
Nov 17 2013
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 569
 Photos 11,976
 Triplogs 1,634

50 female
 Joined Sep 18 2009
 Tucson, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 17 2013
GrottoGirlTriplogs 1,634
Hiking9.14 Miles 3,247 AEG
Hiking9.14 Miles   4 Hrs   33 Mns   2.49 mph
3,247 ft AEG      53 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
RedwallNHops
It was nice to do a trail hike again! The views from this trail and the peak are AMAZING!

This summit log is great even though it only spans two years. Everyone remarked on their hike, the day, or even the weather.

At the top I decided to "check out" the outhouse. When I was done, I tried to exit and I couldn't! :scared: I nearly panicked but then I remembered that Joel could get me out. I'm probably the only person on earth who can lock themselves in an outhouse... :sl:
_____________________
 
May 26 2013
avatar

 Routes 22
 Photos 276
 Triplogs 94

62 male
 Joined Mar 18 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Silver Peak Trail #280Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 26 2013
southpawazTriplogs 94
Hiking8.94 Miles 3,124 AEG
Hiking8.94 Miles
3,124 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
cindyl
I've been wanting to do this hike for a while and when friends posted a campout event in the Chiricahuas for the holiday weekend, we decided to head down and then picked out this hike as our main event.

After our warmup hike (mostly) through a burn area the day before, we were glad to crest over Onion Saddle and drive down into the less fire-touched east side of the mountains. Before hitting the trail, we stopped in at the Visitors Center to say hi and see the snakes, in hopes that they would be the only ones we would see. The Mohave and Diamondback Rattlers were particularly riled up today, both buzzing as soon as we stepped into their corner.

With that out of the way (it worked - no snakes on the trail), we drove back over to the trailhead, geared up and set off. We were a bit late getting out and for the lower section it was a little hot but as we made our way steadily up, the temperature started dropping and by the time we started the final set of switchbacks the temperature was pretty pleasant.

We passed by the intact storage shed and outhouse, only to come around the last corner and find stairs (!?!). I guess it was necessary, with the Lookout Tower having been built up on the rocky crag, so we climbed on up, dropped our packs and relaxed. The views from here are stunning, all the way around, and with its grasses still green, Rustler Park looked, well, parkish.

It was a bit windy up on top and the breeze felt good, but after a break and a snack it was time to head down. The afternoon sun put a nice face on some of the cliffs that hadn't seemed so interesting in the morning, and we made our way back around The Fingers out to the exposed area of the trail in good time. Hot again, but we were going downhill, and it wasn't too long before we were back at the truck enjoying ice cold drinks.

The drive back over to Pinery Canyon gave us a chance to stop and enjoy a view of our conquest in the full afternoon sun, and we were soon back at camp for dinner and a very nice evening friends around the (gas) campfire.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Benchmark
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Rustler Park  Silver Peak
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.35 mph
1, 2  Next

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.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker