Sugarloaf Mountain

Overview

Sugarloaf Mountain is a gentle dome standing quietly above the hoodoo-studded magic of Chiricahua National Monument, called “The Land of Standing-Up Rocks” by the Apache. Hikers reaching the summit take in 360-degree views of the surrounding canyons, valleys and peaks. From the summit, hikers can look into and across numerous canyons including Echo Canyon to the south, Rhyolite Canyon to the southwest and Lost Canyon to the west. The San Simon Valley is visible to the southeast while the Sulphur Springs Valley sprawls to the west. Peaks visible from the summit include Cochise Head to the northeast and the Dos Cabezas Mountains to the northwest beyond Apache Pass. The Dragoon Mountains lie in the distance to the west, across the Sulphur Springs Valley.     From the summit the hiker can view the remnant of the once-mighty Turkey Creek Volcano. The eruption of this behemoth 27 million years ago deposited massive quantities of ash that are today’s hoodoos. Only a hint of the caldera remains, now standing as individual mountains reaching nearly 10,000 feet. The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail was built by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps and includes a tunnel blasted into the cliff-side. Ruby-barked Manzanita and Mexican piñon grace the upper reaches of the trail to the summit. The mountain is crowned by a fire lookout tower still in operation during lightening season. Prominence: 480 feet USGS Quad: Cochise Head

Getting There

Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles southeast of Tucson and 240 miles from Phoenix. The nearby town of Willcox is 35 miles northwest of the monument. Take I-10 east from Tucson to the first exit for Willcox. Travel 3 miles into town to the stoplight and turn right. Follow Arizona State Highway 186 for 32 miles to the junction of Arizona State Highway 181. Turn left and within 4 miles arrive at the Chiricahua entrance station. From the visitor's center follow the Bonita Canyon Drive for approximately 7 miles. The turnoff for Sugarloaf/Echo Canyon will be on the driver's right. Proceed a short distance to the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead parking.

Red Tape

No pets are allowed on the Sugarloaf Mountain trail. Per technicolorNH, as of 2018 an entry fee is no longer in place. Updated details from the National Park Services, which manages National Monuments, can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/fees.htm

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Images

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