Chiricahua National Monument
Sugarloaf Mountain
Trail
With less than two hours
left of daylight, I headed for one of the highest points in the park,
via the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail. The path is just under a mile,
one way, although
it climbs at a near-10% grade, gaining
470 feet.
Just after leaving the
trailhead, you'll pass through the mountainside, in this small
tunnel that's been chiseled out of the rock.
At one
point along the trail, signs warn you to watch out for falling rock.
The trail is still easily passable.
After
scrambling up a long, straight section of the trail, you reach the
destination: this old fire lookout building, perched atop the 7310 ft.
mountain. A sign welcomes you to "Come In!", however the building
was locked tight during my visit.
After you've seen the fire
lookout, and talked to the rangers inside (assuming anyone's home), take
a few minutes to wander around at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
There's no definite trail, but you can make your way to better photo
points with some effort.
As you
can see by the shadows, dusk was quickly approaching, and with nearly a
mile of trail between me and my car, I didn't spend much time at the
top.
You have to travel a good
distance down the trail before you can see the parking lot, and even
then, it's still a long way off.
Watch for rocks, in
Chiricahua? I guess that makes sense.
Here's something I didn't
notice on the way up the trail. Not far from the trailhead, you'll
find a small cave that's eroded from the sandstone wall. It's big
enough for an adult to fit inside, and I imagine every kid who hikes up
this trail gives it a try. Yes, I gave it a try too, but strictly
for photographic purposes, I swear!
Once you're back at your
car, drive the short distance to the Massai Point overlook.
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