Ultra-prominence Peaks of the 48 States
Overview
Miller Peak is the highest point in the Huachuca Mountains. These mountains rise impressively above the nearby town of Sierra Vista. They are the third highest mountain range in southeast Arizona. Miller Peak, and its companion, the 9,237' Carr Peak, are located within the Coronado National Forest and the Miller Peak Wilderness Area.Miller Peak is located only four miles north of the Mexican border, and is the southernmost 9,000' peak in the continental United States. There are several fine trails and campgrounds in the Huachuca Mountains. Coronado National Monument is located just south of Miller Peak. This is the place where the Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado first entered what is now the United States. The Crest Trail leading through the Huachuca Mountains is a common entry route for Mexican immigrants. There's a good chance you'll encounter some of them up here, so it's wise to take some precautions. The Nature Conservancy also operates the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in nearby Ramsey Canyon.
With an elevation of 9,466', Miller Peak ranks way down on the Arizona elevation list. But the new field of Prominence has made Miller Peak an important mountain. With a prominence of 5,006', Miller Peak is just big enough to make an appearance on the coveted Ultra-Prominent Peaks List.
Getting There
From Sierra Vista, drive seven miles south on Arizona 92 to the Carr Canyon Road. This is also known as Forest Road 368. Turn right and start driving up the road. It is initially paved, but turns to dirt a short distance in. After a mile or so, you will enter the Coronado National Forest. Continue up the impressive road as it switchbacks up the Huachuca Mountains. The road climbs nearly 2,600' enroute to the top. After seven miles, the road ends. There are two campgrounds up here, along with a good trailhead parking lot.Mountain Conditions
Contact the Sierra Vista Ranger District at 520-378-0311 for the latest information.Forest Service Map: Coronado National Forest (Nogales and Sierra Vista Ranger Districts).
Topo Map: Miller Peak.
Camping
There are two good Forest Service campgrounds near the trailhead: Reef Townsite and Ramsey Vista.External Links
- Coronado National Forest
- Coronado National Monument
- Ultra Prominent Peaks List
- Huachuca Mountains Study Area
- Ramsey Canyon Preserve
- Arizona Prominence Map
Additions and Corrections
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| Jeff12633 | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | When I hiked Miller Peak, the road to the trailhead was being patrolled multiple times per day by the border patrol. Apparently the mountain is a favorite hide-out for illegal immigrants sneaking across the Mexican border, just 5 miles away. I was told to keep my group together and for our own safety make plenty of noise as we hiked. Along the summit ridge there was plenty of evidence of constant activity, and the otherwise beautiful trail was strewn with discarded food containers and torn up clothing. Unless the mountains are cleaned up of this sort of presence, Miller Peak is probably not the sort of trail one would want to hike alone or during non-daylight hours. | |
| Posted Jan 23, 2005 1:59 am | ||
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