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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike will take you to the 7,975 foot summit of Silver Peak. The hike starts out in the lower reaches of the spectacular Cave Creek Canyon which has been called the Yosemite of the Southwest. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. During the hike to the summit you will climb over 3,000 feet elevation and transition from desert grasslands to Douglas fir forests. The effort to climb the peak is well worth the unique views of the Eastern slopes of the Chiricahua mountains, the Peloncillos wilderness and Cave Creek Canyon. At the summit, along with the panoramic views, you will see the remains of the Silver Peak Lookout which burned down during a thunderstorm in 1992 . Trailhead: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80. Turn right and drive 28 miles, then turn right on the road to Portal, 7 miles. Drive west on FR 42 approximately 1 mile to trailhead. The road is paved all the way to the trailhead. (Lat:31.898 Lon:-109.1628) Trail Guides for Silver Peak: Trail No. 280: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest, Douglas Ranger District (520) 388-8300 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Greg on 4/20/2011 I tried it on a bike and got about half way. The trail was in great shape at the time, around 2007. I ran out of time and it was very strenuous. I will try again soon. 
Reviewed by Bill on 3/6/2009 The trail distance is listed at the trailhead and at the visitor's center as 4.5 miles (9 miles roundtrip)..
Reviewed by Philip Mueller on 4/8/2007 Great Hike! Relatively smooth grade on trail allows for many views as you hike. Saw a 4 ft snake on the trail in the Upper Sonoran Zone. Still snow on some of the peaks in the distance, but dry atop Silver Peak. Many flowers in bloom. 
Reviewed by Robert on 12/17/2006 One of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona. Fantastic views, rock formations,& canyons. In Nov 2006 lots of bear sign at the 6-7 thousand ft elevation dining on abundant pinyon nuts. Strenuous because of elevation gain, but an excellent moderate grade trail made this a great hike for this 63 year old hiker. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
