| Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona |
 Trail Name:Echo Canyon Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| In the Chiricahua Mountains of south-east Arizona is an area of fantastic rock formations – pinnacles, spires, columns, balanced rocks – sculpted from volcanic rhyolite by water, wind and ice over millions of years. Some of the best formations can be seen on an easy loop through Echo Canyon.
Echo Canyon Trail descends south-west past stunning scenery – sentinels of rock stand tall amongst the lush green of pine trees. After passing an area of particularly dense forest known as Echo Park, the trail ends in 1.6 miles/2.6 km at a fork. To loop back, bear left (east) onto Hailstone Trail. The right fork – Upper Rhyolite Trail – will access Heart of Rocks/Inspiration Point for a much longer circuit. The 0.8 mile/1.3 km, mainly level Hailstone Trail gets its name from the volcanic hailstones that can be seen about half way along. At the end, keep left at the junction, and left again at the next in 0.7 miles/1.1km. There is now just a short walk back to the trailhead. For another short but rewarding hike, head to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The trail begins at the end of the spur road at the base of the mountain, and climbs to one of the highest elevations in the area. Not surprisingly, the views from the 7,310-ft summit are vast. 1.9 miles/3 km out and back, 470 ft/143 m ascent. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: South-east corner of Arizona, entrance fee charged. The nearest town is Willcox.
Directions: From Tucson, head east on I-10 for 81 miles to Willcox. Take Hwy 186 south-east for 31 miles, then turn left for the short drive into the National Monument. Beyond the entrance station, Bonita Canyon Drive passes the visitor center and climbs 1,500 ft through juniper and pine forests to Massai Point. Trailhead: Echo Canyon parking area. Just before Massai Point, turn right off Bonita Canyon Drive onto a spur road to Sugarloaf Mountain – the parking area is just a short way along, on the left. Length: 3.3 miles / 5.3 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: -450 ft / -137 m Duration: 1.5 hours Trail Condition: Maintained and easy to follow. Features: Rock formations, oak and pine forest. Climate: Hiking possible year-round – best in spring and autumn. Hot temperatures and thunderstorms in summer. Winter may bring heavy snowfall. Accommodation: Year-round tent and RV camping (first-come, first-served) inside the Monument. Lodging in Willcox. Trail Notes: Trail maps available at the visitor center. |
Popularity: 12% [?]
