Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8am for a hike in the Chiricahuas. We will begin on Rucker Canyon trail, then follow a creek bed for 1.2 miles while walking under steep overhangs until finally reaching several grottoes. This is an out & back hike, 7.8 miles with medium difficulty. Bring water, lunch and maybe walking poles. Back late afternoon. Meet March 30 at 8am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (90 minutes each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Guy at gplaaster@gmail.com or 541-513-9775.
Trail variations may occur due to water level.
Creek bed walking can be slippery and require high stepping at times. Poles recommended.
Dogs ok, leashed if other hikers are present
Elevation: 6150-6698 feet Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Driving Directions:
Double Adobe, N Central Highway, 191 to Border Patrol Station, right on North Rucker Canyon Road then on to East Rucker Canyon Road until you reach the campground at the end of the road. No high clearance vehicle needed.
BACKTRACK - Wakefield Mine
Only a few hikers met at the Ironman, but quite a few more Mules were waiting at the Coronado Visitor Center. Once everybody was set in the right vehicles we headed over Montezuma Pass to the trailhead, via FR 4272. Finally 16 hikers and 3 K9 friends took to the trail. The Huachucas (Place of Thunder) was intensely mined in the past centuries, mostly for gold, silver, lead and tungsten. We took notice of a powder storage and pump house before traipsing up a rocky road to the flooded Wakefield mine. Lunch was enjoyed on the porch of Shadow Mountain cabin under the benevolent eyes of Saint Christopher, up on the hill. Later some brave souls ventured into a shallow mine abutted into the hillside. Continuing in a southern direction toward the Bear Creek Connector, we enjoyed the views of Sutherland Granite Peaks in the distance. Time running out, on Dan’s suggestion, we headed uphill in a western direction before joining FR 4272 and back to the parking area to the great annoyance of a herd of cows. Overall quite a fun day in this little forgotten corner of Arizona. -Guy
Weather: 70 degrees F, Driving mileage: 73 miles round trip
Hike: 5.6 miles, Elapsed Time: 4h 22 min, Ascent/Descent: 1179/1167ft
Hike: 5.6 miles, Elapsed Time: 4h 22 min, Ascent/Descent: 1179/1167ft
Carol C took the group photo, and many more by Carol F & Guy are at muleteam.shutterfly.com.
Elizabeth's 360ยบ photo is at https://rebrand.ly/WakefieldMineHike
CALENDAR
Apr 6 - Echo Canyon in the Chiricahuas with Brad
Apr 13 - Brown-Ramsey Canyon in the Huachucas with Molly
Apr 20 - Florida Canyon in the Santa Ritas with Steve S
Apr 27 - Huachuca Canyon in Fort Huachuca with John B
May 3-4-5 - Camp/hike - Chiricahua National Monument
May 11 - Last hike & potluck in lower Carr Canyon with Larry
Larry
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