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Miller Peak: Huachuca Crest Trail

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

Spectacular vistas, pleaseant hiking, remote location
Near:Sierra Vista, AZ
Scenery:
Distance:9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:3500 ft
Hike Time:5.5 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: Miller Peak is the tallest Peak in the Huachuca Mountains. At an elevation of 9,466 ft, it is the highest southern most peak in the US.

From the trailhead at Montezuma Pass, the Crest Trail starts out on grassy slopes spotted with agave and yucca. As the trail gains elevation, on its way to the main ridgeline, several open-shaft mines are passed within several feet of the trail. Once the main ridgeline is reached, many nice views of mountainous terrain are visible. As the trail traverses around the northwest side of the mountain, you will slowly become engulfed in a canopy of pine trees and most vistas will be obscured. The trail is very easy to follow and very well marked with signs. When you are 1/2 miles away from the summit, a trail marker points to where the Miller Peak Trail diverges from the Crest trail and heads to the rocky summit. On the summit you will enjoy spectacular 360-degree vistas of all the surrounding mountain ranges.

Trailhead: From Sierra Vista, follow AZ92 south for about 15 miles, then turn right on the Coronado National Memorial road. Continue 8.2 miles to Montezuma Pass, this is where the trailhead is located. (Lat:31.35051 Lon:-110.28559)
Trail Guides for Miller Peak: Huachuca Crest Trail:
Hiking Arizona
by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision  (The Globe Pequot Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted  33 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by J.C on 8/4/2009
A vary nice trail but as other have said there are illegals on the trail i ran into three when me and my buddy's where hiking. I like to go when there is snow on the ground i have some pics of the trail on my web page here http://sites.google.com/site/creanphoto/

Reviewed by LV on 4/20/2009
My buddy and I were hiking Miller peak from the base of Lutz trail. Much like other hikers on this blog we saw TONS of trash. There was a cave at approximately 8300 feet with discarded backpacks, and containers. As we progressed about another 400 feet we noticed a group of about 20 illegals headed our way. Not only did we not get to the top because we were afraid we were going to hit them head on, but we had to head back down. If we hadn't seen them on the above switchback, we would have run into them head on. My advise to anybody traveling on this trail would be to carry a gun of some sort. Always travel in groups of at least 4, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Reviewed by Beth on 5/13/2008
My husband, friend and I hiked this on May 3, 2008 and we were SHOCKED at the trash on this trail which got increasingly worse as we neared the top. It looked like abandoned cities for all the clothes, backpacks, food containers etc.. made me very sad and would take a truck to empty it all out. reminded me of that commercial from the 70's when the indian chief was looking at the trash w/ the tear on his face.

Reviewed by Kathy on 11/8/2007
Just the right size ~ loved the wildlife and all the caves and springs. Beautiful views.

Reviewed by Ryan on 5/25/2007
If access to Montezuma Pass Trail head is closed, start and use the Miller Canyon trail. This trail starts at the end of Miller Canyon Road which approaches the mountains from the east off 92S. The canyon is very green in the spring, summer, and fall with a fairly large stream and large decidous trees. Once past the canyon and on the ridge, there are beautiful panoramic views of the San Pedro River Valley. The summit offers spectacular views 360 degrees. CAREFUL FOR ILLEGALS, MOST ARE HARMLESS, SOME HOWEVER CARRY RIFLES TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND DRUGS.

Reviewed by Tony on 3/27/2006
This is my second time going to Miller peak. We went from the Carr peak trailhead and walked on the crest trail to the summit. It was a beautiful day and the view with the snow was great. Unfortunately, the trail is littered with water bottles and refuse from the illegals. I was able to pack out a bag of garbage my first time, but did not have any way to carry out the garbage this time. Three or four Hefty bags would clean up the unforturnate mess.

Reviewed by samisabpa on 1/22/2006
A few years ago this was one of the most beautiful trails in Southeastern Arizona. Unfortunately illegal aliens and drug smugglers have taken over and destroyed the beautiful scenery. Do NOT hike this trail solo or small groups of females. Also, please complain to the Rangers, Naco and Sonoita Border Patrol Stations, Cochise County Sheriff, politicians, and whoever else will listed so we can reclaim our land.

Reviewed by usbp on 1/19/2005
Just for info, this along with all the other trails a freeway for illegal aliens and drug smugglers. Although you are pretty safe during the daylight do not surprised if you see a pretty big group of aliens. USBP


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Cochise County Hiking, Cochise County Trails, Cochise County Hikes


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