We summitted around 11:30 a.m., a five-mile hike with nearly 3,000 feet of gain. Carr Peak is easily recognizable as the prominent double-humped mountain due south of Sierra Vista (the hump on the left is the summit). Date: July 4, 2005 All photos and content Copyright Mike Cavaroc, Free Roaming Hiker/Free Roaming Photography. Instead, we spent the day driving the roads to the Reef Townsite and then back down and on to Montezuma Pass, then down its west side, encircling the Huachuca Mountains. The day was clear and we had hundred-mile views in all directions. but for birders, especially those visiting from elsewhere, it’s a well-known and great location to see a nice variety of hummingbirds – and other species if you continue up the canyon. Elevation change profile courtesy of Route Scout. Just lots of bugs. Right away, the trail leads you up a long and unforgiving climb. The trailhead is usually busy with hikers and casual visitors, and the Border Patrol usually have some people parked here monitoring the area. I greeted them in my meager Spanish, and they greeted us back. We heard some bashing and voices in the trees, thinking it might be more Mexicans. We asked them if we should be concerned and they said no, that the crossers will make every effort to remain unseen. At first, the trail has easy gradients as it bypasses a small foreground hill. The Miller Peak Trail in the Huachuca Mountains climbs 3,000 feet over 5.5 miles to reach the highest peak in the range, giving hikers an unparalleled view of the surrounding deserts. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Trails climb from all sides of the range to Miller Peak Wilderness in the Huachuca Mountains. Instead, we elected to go hike up a desert summit on a day when the temperatures would be pushing 110 degrees in the lower elevations. We continued northbound on the Crest Trail, the forest growing slightly thicker as we gained elevation. Holly Sage Art, Explore more beautiful photos from the area in my, Where to Find Waterfalls in Grand Teton National Park, How to Find Grizzly Bears in Grand Teton and Yellowstone, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Difficulty: Difficult Length of Hike (r/t): 10.6 miles Trail Elevation Change: 2,916 ft. Water: None Trailhead Elevation: 6,550 ft. Looking back to the south, the crest of the Huachuca Mountains makes every attempt to avoid sinking back toward the desert. We did not see a GPS but then again, maybe they had it hidden. We spent about 20 minutes up top, resting and admiring the views from this lofty perch. They had been dropped into the range by helicopter a few hours ago, evidently in hot pursuit of a large group of crossers. but for birders, especially those visiting from elsewhere, it’s a well-known and great location to see a nice variety of hummingbirds – and other species if you continue up the canyon. Instead, we spent the day driving the roads to the Reef Townsite and then back down and on to Montezuma Pass, then down its west side, encircling the Huachuca Mountains. Joining a much denser forest of oaks now are ponderosa pines, marking a noticeable gain in elevation. The whole encounter lasted as long as it took for us to pass, perhaps 15 seconds. The hiking here is notoriously lovely, and we were not unduly concerned about encountering crossers. After that, the rest of the hike was rather unexciting. We started hiking at 8 a.m. in warm conditions. Within a quarter mile you see a signed intersection, keep going straight/left to Miller Canyon/Peak. We wanted no part of them, and as I suspected, they wanted no part of us. Via Elegante Assisted Living Facilities Floor Plans: Miller Peak is distinguished by a backdrop of breathtaking mountains and natural desert landscape. They asked us what we were doing here. There is no tree cover here and it was warm, but we made good time. We said we were hiking. There is no tree cover here and it was warm, but we made good time. From this point, the trail continues to climb, visiting the stream a couple of more times and passing several more old mine sites before it intersects the Crest Trail #103 high in the Huachucas The hiking here is notoriously lovely, and we were not unduly concerned about encountering crossers. We decided to meet them head on. Be the first to submit your climbing note! So far, we'd not seen a single person. It is one of 57 mountains in the mainland United States with over 5,000 feet of prominence. We tried to get moved to another room, but they were completely full, so we just dealt with the hot, stuffy room. The Trail is mostly flat as you circle around bowl at the top of Miller Canyon. Now on the east-facing slopes, we entered into a small copse of trees.   The day was clear and we had hundred-mile views in all directions. Throw in possibly meeting Mexican coyotes and heavily-armed Border Patrol agents, and we were sold. Hiking info, trail maps, and 20 trip reports from Miller Peak (9,466 ft) in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona For Beth and I, this would be our second wedding anniversary. Miller Peak (Arizona) Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Miller Peak (Arizona) is: Mostly dryMild temperatures (max 7°C on Mon afternoon, min 2°C on Wed afternoon)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the WNW on Tue night, light winds from the NE by Thu morning). After that, the trail gains steeper up the southeast-facing slopes, passing a few mine shafts along the way. We did not see a GPS but then again, maybe they had it hidden. We hoped the shade might offer some relief from the sun, but apparently every insect in the range thought so, too, and we had no respite from the bugs. Approximately 10 north of Nicksville on Highway 92 is Sierra Vista. Looking back, they were long gone. The Miller Peak Trail in the Huachuca Mountains climbs 3,000 feet over 5.5 miles to reach the highest peak in the range, giving hikers an unparalleled view of the surrounding deserts. Find something you love Miller Peak AZ. So far, we'd not seen a single person. Upon reaching the top of the pass, park in the large parking area and find the trailhead for the Huachuca Mountains Crest Trail on the north side of the street (across from the parking area). They were very friendly and probably relieved to see us and be able to take a break from all the running around. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. However, the insects were bombarding us, and it was warm, so we decided to get moving before too long. We never felt in harm's way where we were, and despite all the histrionic warnings about hordes of border crossers, actual encounters with them while on a hike, and being robbed or hassled, is extremely low. • Distance: 10 miles • Not surprisingly, Mexican border crossers use these trails to sneak into the country. To here, we'd gained 1,300 feet in two miles. For Beth and I, this would be our second wedding anniversary. The closest town is Sierra Vista, and there are a number of trails leading into the range, connecting with the main Crest Trail. The southernmost trailhead at Montezuma Pass is just one mile north of the border, and we chose to start our hike here. Why spend it in a nice restaurant or home listening to romantic music? We gave them a few minutes head start, then we resumed our hike. Then things got real interesting. We drove to Sierra Vista on the 2nd, and stayed at one of its many chain hotels, a Quality Inn. Miller Peak bathed in afternoon sunlight Here, you’ll find good views down-canyon of the San Pedro Valley and the Mule Mountains around Bisbee while Miller Peak stands high above the canyon rim to the southwest. Follow the trail as it consistently climbs higher, the occasional switchback giving you a sweeping view below. It was a scenic, fun way to kill the day. Both were wearing flannel, jeans and work boots, and were obviously Mexican crossers or, more likely, coyotes.   Soon, they calmed down and sat with us. It was an exciting hike. Ironically, it was a relief to be back into the open, where the brush was about knee high and open to the sky and sun. We did meet two coyotes, and later, two agents. Here, we saw two men appear. Miller Peak may refer to: Miller Peak Arizona in the Huachuca Mountains, Arizona Miller Peak Explorers Range in Explorers Range, Antarctica Miller of the range to the Miller Peak Wilderness. As you wind around the top of the canyon, you finally reach the boundary of Coronado National Memorial and the Miller Peak Wilderness. After that, the trail gains steeper up the southeast-facing slopes, passing a few mine shafts along the way. After that, the rest of the hike was rather unexciting. Miller Peak, Arizona 9,466' Click on map to view full-screen map (c) 2005, 2019 Scott Surgent. Crossing over to the west side of the crest, the trail becomes much rockier as you near the junction with the Miller Peak Trail. Occasionally, we would see the two guys a few hundred yards ahead of us. The landscape makes a quick and dramatic change as you pass over a ridge onto the north side of a canyon. Although the scenery along the way is not as spectacular as some other hikes in southern Arizona, the view from the summit is as far as the eye can see in all directions. Miller Peak may refer to: Miller Peak Arizona in the Huachuca Mountains, Arizona Miller Peak Explorers Range in Explorers Range, Antarctica Miller of the range to the Miller Peak Wilderness. They weren't interrogating us. Please submit any useful information about climbing Miller Peak (Arizona) that may be useful to other climbers. San Rafael Valley from Montezuma Pass However, the insects were bombarding us, and it was warm, so we decided to get moving before too long. We said yes, it'll take you down to Montezuma Pass. I greeted them in my meager Spanish, and they greeted us back. A few minutes passed, and we were approaching a point where the trail meets the crest again and crosses to the west side. AZ P1K Show more. After 15 minutes, they got up and started walking. Finally, the Crest Trail meets the trail coming in from the north (the Carr Peak Trail), and the last mile was up a steep series of switchbacks hewn into the rock to support a fire lookout that once stood atop the peak. Located approximately 10 miles south of Sierra Vista, Arizona, it is the highest mountain in the Huachuca mountain range and a popular local hiking destination. We took a break. However, it had been a clear, blue afternoon, with no hints of clouds or storms. Get directions, reviews and information for Miller Peak in , AZ. Soon, they calmed down and sat with us. It sucked. They then asked us which way was out, as in if they follow this trail, will they get out? The upper ridges of the Huachucas were now visible. The temperatures in the deserts had been around 110 degrees today, and it felt like the 90s at the trailhead. We had planned to hike the peak on the 3rd, but we were not in any mood after a night of no sleep. The second highest peak in Arizona. Instead, we elected to go hike up a desert summit on a day when the temperatures would be pushing 110 degrees in the lower elevations. The ridge offers some good camp sites and a great view to the south. We said yes, it'll take you down to Montezuma Pass.   There was a good chance that a batch of them were hiding in the brush as we passed. Beth marches toward the summit Here, we saw two men appear. Miller Peak is a spectacular landmark mountain located in far-south Arizona near the town of Sierra Vista and the Fort Huachuca Military Base. We arrived to the small parking area at Montezuma Pass at 7:30 a.m.. We were the only ones there. The summit reaches to 9,466 feet and has three very good trail options. Looking back, they were long gone. We did not see a single other person on our hike out. At 9,237 feet, Carr Peak is the second highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains of southeast Arizona. We noticed evidence of other crossers, including food wrappers, water bottles and an occasional piece of clothing. After that, the trail gains steeper up the southeast-facing slopes, passing a few mine shafts along the way. hiking views nature-trips birding trail-running dogs-leash forest wild-flowers walking wildlife. Just lots of bugs. Miller Peak with it's awesome panoramas is always worth the effort. The day was clear and we had hundred-mile views in all directions. Miller Peak (Arizona) Climbing Notes. We decided to meet them head on. The Huachuca Mountains are part of the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, approximately 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast of Tucson and southwest of the city of Sierra Vista.Included in this area is the highest peak in the Huachucas, Miller Peak, and the region of the Huachucas known as Canelo Hills in eastern Santa Cruz County. We crossed the road and found the trail, and started in. Arizona • Main • AZ P1K. MILLER PEAK Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Located just a few miles from the Mexican border, Miller Peak is the southern most mountain summit in the United States. They weren't interrogating us. We kept walking and after a minute or so, we stopped to assess what had just happened. Get directions, reviews and information for Miller Peak in , AZ. However, it had been a clear, blue afternoon, with no hints of clouds or storms. We hoped the shade might offer some relief from the sun, but apparently every insect in the range thought so, too, and we had no respite from the bugs. From the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center, head west on Montezuma Canyon Road for 3.3 miles. It can be reached via Miller Canyon for a tough and rewarding climb. Climbing higher, the trail, primarily ascending up the east side of the crest, peeks out over the west side as it skirts the crest in a couple of remarkable overlooks. Miller Peak is the highest peak of the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona, not far from the Mexican border. Reviews. The signed trailhead takes off right of the gravel road and starts climbing immediately. It is one of 57 mountains in the mainland United States with over 5,000 feet of prominence. We summitted around 11:30 a.m., a five-mile hike with nearly 3,000 feet of gain. It was safer than leaving our truck stashed in some side canyon. Miller Peak is the highest peak of the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona, not far from the Mexican border. The 9,466-foot high point of the Huachuca range is the product of a “super volcano” created by the Pacific continental plate sliding under the North American plate. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Miller Peak (Arizona), as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. • Teammates: Beth, two Mexican coyotes, two B.P. We surmounted a pass at a ridgepoint near Peak 7964. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . These two guys were young and full of energy, but apparently did not carry a map. We were able to get a different room the second night. I visited Beatty’s hummingbird station recently while birding southeastern AZ with a group – and had a wonderful time. Neither of us slept much. The trailhead is usually busy with hikers and casual visitors, and the Border Patrol usually have some people parked here monitoring the area. Enjoy the view from just shy of 9,500 feet above sea level, and when you’re ready, head back out the same way you came up, revelling in vibrant views the entire way down. So far, we'd not seen a single person. The room's air conditioning did not work, the room's temperature about 90 degrees the whole night. The trail starts in the high desert grasslands near the Arizona/Mexico border, and ascends north into a rocky ponderosa pine forest before reaching the summit. Free Roaming Designs / We never felt in harm's way where we were, and despite all the histrionic warnings about hordes of border crossers, actual encounters with them while on a hike, and being robbed or hassled, is extremely low. We continued northbound on the Crest Trail, the forest growing slightly thicker as we gained elevation. I can’t speak to the other aspects of the location (honey, lodging, etc.) Directions. They had been dropped into the range by helicopter a few hours ago, evidently in hot pursuit of a large group of crossers. From the big tree, the trail moves uphill and includes some minor switchbacks before crossing into the Coronado National Forest and the Miller Peak Wilderness. They were very friendly and probably relieved to see us and be able to take a break from all the running around. Monday the 4th started well, and Beth felt good enough to attempt the hike. Miller Peak AZ. Instead, we elected to go hike up a desert summit on a day when the temperatures would be pushing 110 degrees in the lower elevations. We took our walk out slowly to allow for Beth's knees to rest. Here, you’ll find good views down-canyon of the San Pedro Valley and the Mule Mountains around Bisbee while Miller Peak stands high above the canyon rim to the southwest. The day's warmth wasn't too bad, and we made decent time. Miller Peak, at , is the second-highest mountain in Cochise County, Arizona (after Chiricahua Peak). The temperatures in the deserts had been around 110 degrees today, and it felt like the 90s at the trailhead. Both were wearing flannel, jeans and work boots, and were obviously Mexican crossers or, more likely, coyotes. 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