Coronado Cave

MULETEAM SEASON-END CORONADO CAVE HIKE AND POTLUCK
May 9th is the Muleteam’s last hike of the 2025-2026 Season. It’s always sad to end the season but this is as much a party as a hike, and October will be here before you know it. We heartily welcome anyone who has ever done a Muleteam hike, whether or not you want to hike this time. The trail to the cave is an easy one mile slightly uphill, and the optional exploration of the spacious Coronado Cave (with some short boulder scrambling at the cave entrance) is worth the trip. No dogs by the cave they can come to the picnic. This is a great hike for families and kids. Bring a flashlight! 

On Saturday the 9th we will meet at the Courthouse at 9am to carpool, or you can meet us at 9:30am at the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center parking lot. The road to the visitor center is off Route 92 in Palominas, across from the Middle School between Mile Markers 341-342. The hikers should be back for the picnic lunch before noon. The potluck lunch will be at the picnic area across from the Visitor Center, with additional parking there. Please bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage. Paper plates and glasses will be provided. There is a grill but no water. For questions call Doug at reiniger@wyoming.com or (520) 432-0307
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BACKTRACK - West Tombstone Stairs
Fourteen hikers and two dogs started the hike wandering up streets and stairs off of West Tombstone Canyon on a perfect spring weather day. We varied slightly from last year’s route by walking up Quarry Canyon, stopping to view a Meyer Lemon tree on Oak Street, and going up Wood Canyon and taking the “Guy Trail” over to Locklin and back to Tombstone via the stairs by the old reservoir. Instead of taking the Gladys stairs up to Adams and back down to Garden Avenue, the ten remaining hikers walked to Susan’s house where we had snacks and chatted under the ramada. It was a leisurely hike where we literally stopped to smell the roses. - Susan Mayes 

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SCHEDULE 2026-2027

First hike is October 24…




 

 

West OB Stairs

WEST TOMBSTONE CANYON STAIRS & STREETS
The penultimate hike of the Muleteam season features 3-3.5 miles of streets and stairs around West Tombstone Canyon. For some hikers last year this off-the-beaten-path included some stairs they had never walked before. We will conclude at 426 Garden Avenue for our snack lunch at around 11-11:30. You are welcome to just show up and chat. Meet Saturday, May 2 at 9:00am at the Bisbee Courthouse fountain. Bring water, a snack and hiking poles if needed. Leashed dogs welcome. Questions? Call Susan at (610) 220-5287.
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BACKTRACK - Sandoval Cross (estrogen edition)
Three intrepid women joined me at the fountain for a hike to this local landmark, which is easily seen but not reached. (I've come at it from every direction and wound up with scrapes and ripped clothes.) This route utilized Laura's Loop (and how cool that the eponymous originator joined our small group at the end of OK Street!). We all managed the bushwhacking and scrambling down to the cross and enjoyed the rare view of town from that hill. I shared that I'd sent a letter to the address on the sign last October but never received a reply...I live in hope. We saw some cool geology & flora and quite a few praying mantid ootheca. My thanks to Susan, Anne, Lyda and Laura for their good company ...and big apologies for the lousy photo. -- Lindsay


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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MAY 9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck




 
 

Sandoval Cross

HIKE LOWER MULE MOUNTAIN RIDGE AND VISIT THE SANDOVAL FAMILY CROSS

Join the Muleteam on Saturday, April 25 for a hike to this infrequently visited Sandoval Family cross (not one of the shrines on Chihuahua Hill/"B Mountain"). Our less-than-5-mile-route will begin at the fountain below the County Courthouse at 9am. We'll wind through town and head up to Laura's Loop, then detour to and from the cross. (This 1/4-mile section includes some light bushwhacking and a bit of scrambling; roll-y rocks are a factor here and on the Loop.) Return via the Loop and Zacatecas Canyon, then back through town. Bring water and a snack; well-behaved dogs welcomed. Questions? Text Lindsay at 954-770-2221.
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BACKTRACK - East City Trail
Twenty-two hikers and 5 dogs (maybe a canine record) took a break on a very nice sunny day to walk from the Courthouse to High Road and then the City Trail and down to Brewery Gulch back to town. Some of our hikers had never been on City Trail, so it was a nice introduction for them. This is one of our shortest and easiest walks, but with good views of downtown Bisbee from a different angle. When we got to Bisbee Gulch some of the group kept walking onto downtown and up Main Street and others had an early lunch at High Desert Cafe. It's good to alternate hike location and difficulty to attract a wide range of hikers. - Doug


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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



 
 
 

 

East City Trail

WALK THE OLD BISBEE CITY TRAIL
Join the Muleteam on Saturday April 18th to walk the City Trail overlooking Brewery Gulch and the northern part of downtown Bisbee. Miners working Zacatecas Canyon could not bring their mules up and down Brewery Gulch during the common floods, so they built the trail along the side of the mountain from the Canyon to High Road. We start at the Courthouse fountain at 9am on April 18 and walk to the end of High Road, take the City Trail to the end, pick up the unpaved part of Brewery and walk to town. Optional return through the Gulch and Main Street. This approximately three mile walk is not steep or difficult, and the views are excellent. Dogs welcome. Bring water and a snack. Back before noon. Any questions, call Doug at (520) 432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com.

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BACKTRACK - Hunter Canyon
22 folks and two dogs hiked through the Lower Hunter Canyon Loop on Saturday, April 11th.  We were treated to a sunny and warm day with light winds.  We were well protected from any breeze while winding through the trees.  This was a fun four-mile, 600-foot elevation gain loop of rolling hills, grasslands, wooded areas and washes with views of the mountains and valleys around every turn.  It was a different loop than last year’s hike to make it interesting for returning hikers.  Along the way we didn’t see any critters: no deer, javelina, fox or snakes.  Nothing.  We did see a couple of very large horses on the trail near the end of the hike.  Not quite critters but we did run into five mountain bikers.  The group had to stick close together due to the many turns and forks in the trail.  This loop is a popular mounting biking destination, and we were hiking on biking trials the whole way.  Lunch was in an open area in a dry wash under a dead/burned tree.  After lunch, we climbed a bit more before looping back down to the parking lot.  It was about a three-hour journey, and we were back to the cars early in the afternoon for the ride home.  As always, there were many comments about how beautiful Hunter Canyon’s diverse flora (around 1,000 plant species in this area) and for its hiking.  – JimP
 
 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

APRIL
25 - Sandoval cross & Laura's loop in the Mules with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



Hunter Canyon

HIKE LOWER HUNTER CANYON LOOP
Join the Mule Team this Saturday, April 11th for a relatively easy four-mile hike with rolling hills and a mix of sun and shade in Hunter Canyon in the Huachucas. We will begin on East Hunter Canyon Road – just off route 92 in Hereford. We will hike a loop around lower Hunter Canyon following trails, washes and mountain biking trails. If you did this hike last year, we will be doing a different loop so it will be fresh and new!
We will stop for lunch in a wash with a great view. There will be scenic views of the Huachucas, the Mules and the vast San Pedro Valley. Bring water, snacks & lunch. Dogs on leash are OK. Back early afternoon. Meet April 11th at 9am at the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool and drive the 40 minutes to the Hunter Canyon Parking lot. For any questions, contact Jim at 802-355-4591 or jim.poulin@yahoo.com.

Alternatively, hikers may meet us at about 9:45am at the Hunter Canyon parking lot. Turn west off route 92 on East Hunter Canyon Road – there is no road sign, but Google Maps shows the road. It is a dirt road right where the four lanes on 92 drops to two lanes. Cross the cattle grate and park on the left.
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BACKTRACK - Art Stairs
Perfect weather for 22 people to explore Old Bisbee stairs. A small group from Tucson joined us, and everyone seemed to really enjoy the morning of eclectic art and unexpected paths. With an unpredictable route the group had to stick together so nobody would miss a turn, so sometimes we had to wait on our yakking laggers. A few dropped out along the way, but most made it to Castle Rock for a snack and a view before heading back. Lots of photos, mostly posted by the Tucson people at the link below... - Larry
 

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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

APRIL
18 - Cancelled: Campout/hike - Other suggestions?
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



Art Stairs

OLD BISBEE ‘ART STAIRS’ HIKE
Join the Muleteam this Saturday to explore some unique outside art (murals, mosaics, sculpture...) by way of Bisbee's most interesting stairs. Be prepared to climb at a reasonable pace with planned stops for less than 4 miles. Bring water, lunch and maybe a camera, but no dogs. Back about noon or drop out when you want. Meet April 4 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to begin the hike. Free. For more details contact Larry 520-224-4951 or larryjmilam@gmail.com.
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BACKTRACK - Council Rocks
Braving the predicted hot weather five hikers trekked through the council rock grottos. The destination was a very exciting and interesting rock formation (photo) not far from the lunch location on previous hikes. All five of us had some "pareidolia fun" finding meaningful and interesting figures in the surrounding rock face while relaxing in the shady spots. As the afternoon wore on we decided to backtrack through the rock grottos rather than be exposed in full sun on the trail through the field. Wildflowers, sweet fern and shin dagger blossoms scented the spring air making a pleasurable hike experience. - Carol
 
 
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SIDETRACK - April 18?
The campout & hike at Herb Martyr has been cancelled. Any other suggestions for April 18? Could be a campout or regular Saturday hike...Contact Doug at reiniger@wyoming.com.
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

APRIL
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
18 - Cancelled: Campout/hike at Herb Martyr - Other suggestions?
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



 

Cancellation

Cancelled - March 28 - Arizona trail near Sonoita with Molly & Jan 
Unfortunately the hike leaders had to cancel this hike.
 
Substitute? 
If someone can volunteer for a substitute hike on that date contact Doug in the next few days at (520) 432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com.
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BACKTRACK - Council Rocks
To be posted later.....
Meanwhile here is a group photo from the hike...
 
 
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The web page muleteam.blogspot.com has the current hike and schedule. Also go there to subscribe to the Muleteam weekly email (125 followers). 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

APRIL
4 - Old Bisbee art stairs hike with Larry
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
17-18-19 - Campout/hike at Herb Martyr/Cave Creek near Portal
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



Council Rocks

EXPLORE COUNCIL ROCKS
Join the Muleteam at the earlier time of 8am this Saturday, March 21st for a hike to Council Rocks in the scenic Dragoon Mountains, with dramatic boulder formations and pictographs. This moderate three and-a-half mile loop will include some rock scrambling and bushwacking. Bring water and lunch. Meet March 21 at 8am by the Old Bisbee Courthouse fountain to carpool (about 90 minutes each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Carol at chandlercarolpsk@gmail.com or 413-667-8760.
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BACKTRACK - Parker Lake
Ten hikers and one dog set out on the circuit of Parker Canyon Lake. One hiker elected to relax at the marina concession where small watercraft are rented out for fishing or general recreation and transporting to isolated spots along the shoreline. The temperature was comfortably warm, and the lake looked refreshing with a deep blue color despite its being at the lowest level ever remembered by participants in the earliest Muleteam hikes there. The lake was so low that what is usually a small island near a traditional lunch spot was reachable without any intervening water blocking the way. The group of hikers took advantage of what will most fortunately be a one time occasion when such a lunch spot is reachable on foot before the lake begins rising again. The ground trod on was damp with firm mud which was not slippery at all. 
The most unexpected and undesired incident was when the leader stumbled and took a tumble when vigilance was relaxed at a spot where an obstacle was not seen in time to be avoided. Ironically, this happened while an attempt was being made to keep the group from getting too spread out, but instead of doing so by slowing the pace down, the pace was still apparently too fast to allow for bad footing to be responded to and successfully avoided. Instead of being too spread out, it would seem that the group was close enough together that the pace could not be slowed easily enough over a brief interval when more time was needed to avoid a spot capable of tripping up the unwary. Remainder of the outing was uneventful with the winery event held well before the business chosen reached its closing time for new arrivals. Vehicles arrived back in Bisbee as daylight was just beginning to fade. - Brad

 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MARCH
28 - Arizona trail near Sonoita with Molly & Jan

APRIL
4 - Old Bisbee art stairs hike with Larry
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
17-18-19 - Campout/hike at Herb Martyr/Cave Creek near Portal
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



Parker Lake

EXPLORE PARKER CANYON LAKE
Join us this Saturday March 14th for another Muleteam tradition: Parker Canyon Lake, on the west side of the Huachucas and one of the few lakes in this area. This is an easy hike along the shore of the lake, about 5 miles round trip on a mostly flat trail in a beautiful natural setting with herons and ducks. Bring water and lunch. Optional vineyard wine tasting after the hike at Hops & Vines Winery on Hwy 82 two miles from Sonoita. Meet March 14 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. This is about an hour drive on paved roads: Rte 80 past Tombstone, left at Rte 82 past Rte 90, left at Elgin turnoff through beautiful country. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Brad at 432-2476 or bradward.j3@juno.com. 
 
This hike has a reputation of being one of the last of the easier Muleteam hikes, and I want to continue that easy reputation for those hikers who want to hike at a slower pace without the group getting spread out all over the trail, between those slower hikers and faster ones who seem oblivious to making the hike more difficult for those who are not expecting it. To this end I will be briefly STOPPING at about four locations along the hike for the group to re-form. I hope I can count on support from faster hikers who sometimes have a reputation for being impatient with being asked to stop at intervals when they don't feel a need to. The need for maintaining group cohesion is even greater on this hike, which is a loop where slower hikers cannot wait for the main group to return and rejoin those hikers who don't make it to the end. - Brad
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BACKTRACK - Lower Miller Canyon
20 hikers and 5 dogs started the hike. All the hikers and dogs made it to the Parlermee Saw Mill Ruins where we had lunch. We had a couple hikers who hiked with the Mule Team for the first time. The weather was great for our hike. - Ed
 
A flowing creek, a dappled trail and white sycamore trees glowing against the deep blue sky - Larry
 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MARCH
21 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
28 - Arizona trail near Sonoita with Molly & Jan

APRIL
4 - Old Bisbee art stairs hike with Larry
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
17-18-19 - Campout/hike at Herb Martyr/Cave Creek near Portal
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



 

Lower Miller

PARLERMEE SAW MILL RUINS
Join the Muleteam this Saturday March 7th for a hike through lower Miller Canyon of the Huachuca’s. This is an easy hike with a 5-mile round trip from the lower parking lot of Miller Canyon Road to the ruins of the Parlermee Saw Mill (a historical site that shows the remnants of a sawmill that played a significant role in the region’s lumber supply during the mid-1800s). Bring water and lunch/snack, Dogs on leashes are OK. Back early afternoon. Meet at 9am by the Bisbee Courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details, contact Ed at 313-204-2119.
 
Alternatively, meet at 9:30am on Miller Canyon Road in the large dirt parking area on the left with restrooms (about a mile after turning onto Miller Canyon Road, shortly after the paved road turns to dirt). 
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BACKTRACK - Mt Ballard 
Eight hikers met on a warm but gorgeous day to hike up Mt. Ballard, at 7,370 feet the highest peak in the Mule Mountains. Most of the group had hiked this before, so were prepared for the rather unrelenting uphill climb! Two of our group planned on only going part way, but the rest of us made it to the summit and enjoyed snacks and lunch on top. Once again, we all pondered the metal sign with a Bible verse at the summit, wondering who lugged that heavy piece of metal up there and why. After a break we all started the trek down, with the last of us reaching the parking lot by 1 p.m. Another great Muleteam adventure! - Deb
 



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The web page muleteam.blogspot.com has the current hike and schedule. Also go there to subscribe to the Muleteam weekly email (125 followers). 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MARCH
14 - Parker Canyon Lake loop and winery with Brad
21 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
28 - Arizona trail near Sonoita with Molly & Jan

APRIL
4 - Old Bisbee art stairs hike with Larry
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
17-18-19 - Campout/hike at Herb Martyr/Cave Creek near Portal
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck



Mt Ballard

HIKE TO MT. BALLARD PEAK 
Join the Muleteam this Saturday, February 28th to hike to the highest point in the Mule Mountains, west of the “Divide” with outstanding views of Bisbee, Mexico, and the Huachuca Mountains. This is a fairly difficult hike on a natural path with a steep rocky section. The total distance round trip is only 3.5 miles, but includes an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. Bring water and snacks or lunch. Back early afternoon. Free. Dogs welcome, but be aware that there is lots of cholla along the narrow trail. 
Meet February 28th at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain, from which we will carpool up Tombstone Canyon Road to West Blvd. up to the Divide. Alternatively, hikers may head straight for the Divide and wait there. For more info, please contact Deb at debvanschaack@gmail.com or (802)777-1499.
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BACKTRACK - San Pedro hike and picnic
Our riverside hike and picnic was as good as ever. About 24 hikers and four dogs. Weather was perfect: sunny and in the mid 60s. Hike to the San Pedro was fine. Some of the team went to the Old Cemetery and then all gathered at the Mill for the classic group photo, followed by another gourmet picnic (special thanks to Laura for her custom Margaritas). After a long meal most of the team continued on the long loop back along the river. See you all next year at the 17th Annual. - Doug
 

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The web page muleteam.blogspot.com has the current hike and schedule. Also go there to subscribe to the Muleteam weekly email (125 followers). 
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SCHEDULE 2025-2026

MARCH
7 - Miller Canyon to Parlermee ruins in the Huachucas with Ed
14 - Parker Canyon Lake loop and winery with Brad
21 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
28 - Arizona trail near Sonoita with Molly & Jan

APRIL
4 - Old Bisbee art stairs hike with Larry
11 - Hunter Canyon loop in the Huachucas with Jim Poulin
17-18-19 - Campout/hike at Herb Martyr/Cave Creek near Portal
25 - Lower Mule Mtn ridge with Lindsay

MAY
2 - West Old Bisbee stairs and streets with Susan Mayes
9 - Coronado Cave in the Huachucas last hike & potluck