| Rank: #7 | Summit Elevation: 9,759 ft. |
| Vegetation: Mexican pine species (Chihuahua pine and Apache pine), followed by Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, and Douglas fir, aspen, and grassy meadows with wildflowers. | Frequently Seen Animals: white-tailed deer, snakes, black bear, coati, hawks, Mexican chicadee, many other birds. |
| Hiking Season: May - October |
| Name: Crest Trail #270 | Difficulty: Moderate |
| Length of Hike (r/t): 12.8 miles | Trail Elevation Change: 1,659 ft. |
| Water: Drinking water at trailhead. Intermittent and non-potable water off trail at Tub Spring (2.4 miles from trailhead, 0.3 mile detour to the east down a trail to the left) and at Anita Spring (5.3 miles) | Trailhead Elevation: 8,100 ft. |
| Tips: The Crest Trail is not a single linear feature but a main trail with various spurs and loops connected to it. It runs along the main spine of the Chiricahua Mtns. Downed logs common along trail since fire. Restrooms at trailhead. Tree-covered summit lacks views. Hike can be combined with Flys and Sentinel Peaks which are also reached from the Crest Trail. | |
| Hiking Permit Needed: Parking fee. | Maximum Group Size: |
| Dogs Permitted: Yes, leashed. | Horses Permitted: Yes (processed feed preferred) |
| Cross-country Skiing Permitted: Yes. | Mountain Bikes Permitted: No. |
| Safety Tips: Be sure to bear-proof campsites. Monsoon storms are common during summer months, sometimes lasting several days. Bring raingear and dry clothes, and take care not to get caught above treeline during thunderstorms. | |
| General Location: Southeastern corner of AZ | Trailhead Accessible to Low-Clearance Vehicles: Yes |
| Nearest Town: Willcox (to the north) Portal (to the east) | |
| Directions: From Willcox, take AZ 186 southeast to AZ 181. Turn right on FR42 (Pinery Canyon Rd.) and then turn right onto FR42D. Go 2.5 miles to Rustler Park parking lot. Trailhead is northwest from lot across main road.. | |
| U.S.G.S. Quad Name(s): Chiricahua Peak, Rustler Peak | Office of Tourism Region: Old West Country |
| County: Cochise | Managing Agency: Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, 3081 N.Leslie Canyon Rd., Douglas, AZ 85607, 520-364-3468 |
| Web Site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/douglas/Recreation_Opportunities/Trails/trails.html | |