Coronado National Forest
More Highlights
The Spanish explorer Don Francisco Vasques de Coronado and his expedition entered southern Arizona
from .Mexico in 1540 in search of gold. But instead of the Seven Golden Cities of Cibola, which legend said existed somewhere to the north, the trail blazers found nothing, but a vast country of grassy hills, cactus, lizards, and scattered, rugged mountain ranges. These mountains are the real treasure houses of Arizona. They rise like islands in a sea of desert. Their heights pierce the rain and snow clouds, capturing the snow and rain that are the life blood of cities, industry, and agriculture. In the arid Southwest, water from the highlands makes possible a wide range of activities in a land that would otherwise be barren.
The twelve mountain range units of the Coronado total 1.7 million acres of public land, and offer an unusual range of vegetative types and climates. In only one hour, a visitor can drive from the hot, arid desert to the cool pines. Elevations range from 3,000 feet to 10,720 feet. The forest is exceptionally rich in diversity of flora and fauna.
The Coronado and all National Forests are dedicated to the perpetual production of wood, water, forage, recreation, and wildlife.
Points of Interest
Mount Lemmon--Recreation opportunities include skiing, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking,
and backpacking high among the cool pines. The Catalina Highway, a steep winding mountain road,
provides access from northeastern Tucson to this popular area. For a super backpacking trip, the Santa Catalina Passage portion of the Arizona Trail leads you to the top of Mount Lemmon, from a Sonora desert ecosystem to one resembling southern Canada.
Sabino Canyon--The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and Ranger station are located near the mouth of the canyon. The shuttle bus ride through this scenic canyon carries the visitor under towering cliffs and along a boulder-filled stream crossed by 9 bridges. Stops along the route provide opportunities for picnicking, nature study and hiking.
Madera Canyon--More than 200 species of birds visit this internationally renowned canyon, and each year thousands of birders see them among the oak juniper, and sycamore along the stony creek. There are limited camping and picnicking facilities, plus trailhead access to Mt. Wrightson Wilderness.
Pena Blanca Lake--Fishing, boating; camping, and picnicking can be enjoyed at this 49-acre
lake surrounded by oak and cottonwood trees and colorful bluffs. It is located just 5 miles north of the Mexican border and is open all year.
Parker Canyon Lake--This popular spot near the Huachuca Mountains offers bluegill, bass,
perch, trout, and catfish. Camping, boating, hiking, and picnicking can be enjoyed year-round at
Lakeview Campground and associated facilities.
Mt. Graham--Campgrounds, miles of hiking trails, trout fishing in pine-bordered Riggs Flat Lake, and seasonal hunting for deer and bear can be found in this important recreation area. The Swift Trail, a paved road for about half of its length, provides good access except during winter months when it is closed
due to snow.
Cochise Stronghold--Once an impenetrable natural fortress of the famous Apache leader, now a self-guided nature trail with various plants and objects of interest can he enjoyed by the recreationist. Camping and picnicking facilities are available with trail access to spectacular rock formations at higher
elevations.
Rucker Canyon--Rucker Lake offers camping, picnicking and summertime fishing. No boating
or swimming is allowed in the lake. There is trail access to the Chiricahua Wilderness.
Rustler Park--Rustler Park Campground is near a large meadow surrounded by cool pines at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Access is by way of a steep, winding, unpaved mountain road not recommended for trailers over 16 feet. A trailhead provides access to the Chiricahua Wilderness.
Cave Creek--This is one of the forest's best areas for birding. Many species of birds can be observed here, including the Elegant Trogon and many species of hummingbirds. Several camping and picnicking facilities are nestled in the bottom of this beautiful canyon.
Recreational Opportunities
Visitors to the forest participate in a broad spectrum of activities ranging from backpacking in the remote and rugged Galiuro Wilderness to riding a shuttle bus in scenic Sabino Canyon, adjacent to metropolitan Tuscon. Other recreational pursuits enjoyed on the Coronado include camping picnicking, hiking, studying nature, rock climbing, winter sports, fishing, hunting, rockhounding, photography, bird watching, and just plain enjoying the majestic scenery. Mountain bikers will enjoy the 15- to 20-mile Pinery Canyon Loop.
All or portions of 8 wilderness areas lie within the Coronado Forest. The wilderness areas are;
Chiricahua, Galiuro, Miller Peak, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, Pusch Ridge, Rincon Mountain, and Santa
Teresa.
For campground information please visit Fred and Suzi Dow's U.S. National Forest Campground Guide.
Return to
Top
RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Arizona Resources
GORPtravel Adventure Vacations
|
from Away.com
