Sierra Vista Ranger District Closure update as of November 16, 2011

As of September 19, 2011, Carr Canyon Forest Road 368 will remain closed from the bridge crossing to the end of the published road near Ramsey Vista Campground, until April 15, 2012 or rescinded, whichever occurs first. This is due to increased water flow resulting from the Monument Fire.

Upper Carr (including Reef and Ramsey Vista Campgrounds) are closed to the public at this time. The lower picnic area and adjacent parking remain open.

For more information please call the district office at (520) 378-0311.

For more information, visit the Coronado National Forest website.

Carr Peak

At 9,237 feet, Carr Peak is the second highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains of southeast Arizona. Carr Peak is easily recognizable as the prominent double-humped mountain due south of Sierra Vista (the hump on the left is the summit). Carr Peak is located in the Miller Peak Wilderness of Coronado National Forest. From the north, Carr is accessible from either Old Sawmill Springs trail or the Carr Peak trail.

From Old Sawmill Spring trailhead, it's about 3 miles one-way to the top. Elevation gain is a little over 2000 feet. Total elevation gain from Carr Peak trailhead is about 1800 feet. Old Sawmill Spring trail joins up with the Carr Peak trail after about 1 mile. The trail switchbacks through manzanitas and shrubby plants, which eventually give way to aspen and evergreens.

Wildfires burned this area in 1977 and 1991, and there are a lot of burned trees still standing as a reminder of the fires. However, the area has rebounded quite nicely, with plenty of plant life reclaiming the slopes.

The trail continues to climb up towards Carr Peak, and after awhile the trail curves around the east side of the mountain, bringing Miller Peak into view. The trail continues around to the south side of Carr Peak and heads west. Just a little further and on the right is the junction for Carr Peak Spur. From here it's a straightforward 1/3 mile hike to the summit. From the summit, you have great views of Sierra Vista and Ft Huachuca to the north, the Mule Mountains to the east, Sierra San Jose to the southeast, Miller Peak to the south, and if the air is clear enough, Baboquivari Peak to the west.

Getting There

From the intersection of Fry Boulevard and AZ Highway 92 in Sierra Vista, go south on Hwy 92 for about 7 miles to Carr Canyon Road (FR 368). Look for the Mesquite Tree Restaurant on the right hand side. Turn right here. The road is paved for about a mile before turning to dirt. It's a little rough, but easily passable for passenger cars. After about 6.5 miles, you arrive at the Old Sawmill Spring Trailhead parking lot on the left, across from the Reef Townsite Campground. You can start here, or continue for another half mile to the Carr Peak trailhead, near Ramsey Vista Campground.

Red Tape

Carr Peak is located in the Miller Peak Wilderness Area of Coronado National Forest. There has been smuggling and illegal immigration activity in the area (there is a sign warning you of this as you drive up Carr Canyon Road).

Sierra Vista Ranger District
5990 S. Hwy. 92
Hereford, AZ 85615
(520) 378-0311
(520) 378-0311 TTY
(520) 378-0519 FAX

Camping

As of July 2011, Reef Townsite Campground is closed for 2011 due to fire and erosion damage. Ramsey Vista Campground is closed due to Monument Fire closures.

Camping is available at Reef Townsite Campground and Ramsey Vista Campground. Fee is $10 per night. Check with Coronado National Forest for more information.

External Links

Carr Peak Trail
Coronado National Forest
Miller Peak Wilderness Area
Hike Arizona Carr Peak Page

Images