Free Roaming Hiker / (c) 2005, 2019 Scott Surgent. We had essentially an armed escort off the mountain. The room's air conditioning did not work, the room's temperature about 90 degrees the whole night. Follow the trail as it consistently climbs higher, the occasional switchback giving you a sweeping view below. We were back to the parking area at 4 p.m., the warmth of the day much more noticeable now that were lower in elevation. Here, we saw two men appear. There are three main routes to the top of Miller Peak, all involving the Crest Trail in some manner. Miller Peak, at 9466 feet, is the highest point in the Huachuca mountains - just a few miles from the Mexican border. They asked us what we were doing here. Continue your ascent as the trail wraps around a wide mountainside, rising higher above Montezuma Canyon below. It sucked. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from October until May. After that, the trail gains steeper up the southeast-facing slopes, passing a few mine shafts along the way. Ironically, it was a relief to be back into the open, where the brush was about knee high and open to the sky and sun. There upon after a half mile, junctions with the Crest Trail which takes you to Miller Peak spur trail at bathtub springs. They then asked us which way was out, as in if they follow this trail, will they get out? The Miller Peak Wilderness is 86 miles southeast of Tucson. Miller Peak with it's awesome panoramas is always worth the effort. Encountering them, or Border Patrol agents, is a distinct possibility. At first, the trail has easy gradients as it bypasses a small foreground hill. The trailhead is usually busy with hikers and casual visitors, and the Border Patrol usually have some people parked here monitoring the area. We asked them if we should be concerned and they said no, that the crossers will make every effort to remain unseen. Here, you’ll find good views down-canyon of the San Pedro Valley and the Mule Mountains around Bisbee while Miller Peak stands high above the canyon rim to the southwest. We never felt in harm's way where we were, and despite all the histrionic warnings about hordes of border crossers, actual encounters with them while on a hike, and being robbed or hassled, is extremely low. We tried to get moved to another room, but they were completely full, so we just dealt with the hot, stuffy room. A steep climb ensues, rewarding hikers with sweeping views both to the west, and the sporadic surprise back east. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Suddenly, two men in body armor, fatigues and assault rifles come bursting out, all excited, asking "if we'd seen a whole group of Mexicans pass through here." MILLER PEAK Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Located just a few miles from the Mexican border, Miller Peak is the southern most mountain summit in the United States. These two guys were after a group of "20 or 30 Mexicans". Arizona • Main • AZ P1K. Monday the 4th started well, and Beth felt good enough to attempt the hike. They had been dropped into the range by helicopter a few hours ago, evidently in hot pursuit of a large group of crossers. The trail starts in the high desert grasslands near the Arizona/Mexico border, and ascends north into a rocky ponderosa pine forest before reaching the summit. We had planned to hike the peak on the 3rd, but we were not in any mood after a night of no sleep. Soon, they calmed down and sat with us. The hiking here is notoriously lovely, and we were not unduly concerned about encountering crossers. Show more. Find something you love The trail starts in the high desert grasslands near the Arizona/Mexico border, and ascends north into a rocky ponderosa pine forest before reaching the summit. Monday the 4th started well, and Beth felt good enough to attempt the hike. As you begin gaining elevation, the oak trees create a shallow forest, dotting the trail with shade from time to time. From the big tree, the trail moves uphill and includes some minor switchbacks before crossing into the Coronado National Forest and the Miller Peak Wilderness. These are compact but towering mountains that rise suddenly above the high-desert plains, like islands above the sea. We never felt in harm's way where we were, and despite all the histrionic warnings about hordes of border crossers, actual encounters with them while on a hike, and being robbed or hassled, is extremely low. After 15 minutes, they got up and started walking. Why spend it in a nice restaurant or home listening to romantic music? Miller Peak is covered by the Miller Peak, AZ US Topo Map quadrant However, the insects were bombarding us, and it was warm, so we decided to get moving before too long. We exited via Sierra Vista, and drove home that evening. Miller Peak (Arizona) Climbing Notes. It was an exciting hike. Miller Peak (Arizona) Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Miller Peak (Arizona) is: Mostly dryMild temperatures (max 7°C on Mon afternoon, min 2°C on Wed afternoon)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the WNW on Tue night, light winds from the NE by Thu morning). Within a quarter mile you see a signed intersection, keep going straight/left to Miller Canyon/Peak. There are three main routes to the top of Miller Peak, all involving the Crest Trail in some manner. To here, we'd gained 1,300 feet in two miles. The day's warmth wasn't too bad, and we made decent time. The ridge offers some good camp sites and a great view to the south. Suddenly, two men in body armor, fatigues and assault rifles come bursting out, all excited, asking "if we'd seen a whole group of Mexicans pass through here." Miller Peak Wilderness is a wilderness area in Coronado National Forest, AZ. Climbing higher, the trail, primarily ascending up the east side of the crest, peeks out over the west side as it skirts the crest in a couple of remarkable overlooks. We wanted no part of them, and as I suspected, they wanted no part of us. I visited Beatty’s hummingbird station recently while birding southeastern AZ with a group – and had a wonderful time. Here, we saw two men appear. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The hiking here is notoriously lovely, and we were not unduly concerned about encountering crossers. Now on the east-facing slopes, we entered into a small copse of trees. Miller Peak Wilderness is a wilderness area in Coronado National Forest, AZ. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Hiking up to 9,470 ft to the top of Miller Peak, AZ. We surmounted a pass at a ridgepoint near Peak 7964. The Miller Peak Trail in the Huachuca Mountains climbs 3,000 feet over 5.5 miles to reach the highest peak in the range, giving hikers an unparalleled view of the surrounding deserts. Located approximately 10 miles south of Sierra Vista, Arizona, it is the highest mountain in the Huachuca mountain range and a popular local hiking destination. Then things got real interesting. We told them of the two guys we'd seen earlier, but that was nearly three hours ago, and they were probably in Mexico by now. Monday the 4th started well, and Beth felt good enough to attempt the hike. We never felt in harm's way where we were, and despite all the histrionic warnings about hordes of border crossers, actual encounters with them while on a hike, and being robbed or hassled, is extremely low. Instead, we elected to go hike up a desert summit on a day when the temperatures would be pushing 110 degrees in the lower elevations. We took our walk out slowly to allow for Beth's knees to rest. We asked them if we should be concerned and they said no, that the crossers will make every effort to remain unseen. After that, the trail gains steeper up the southeast-facing slopes, passing a few mine shafts along the way. Soon, they calmed down and sat with us. They weren't interrogating us. Looking back, they were long gone. Miller Peak is the highest peak of the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona, not far from the Mexican border. We hoped the shade might offer some relief from the sun, but apparently every insect in the range thought so, too, and we had no respite from the bugs. The Miller Peak Trail begins at Montezuma Pass in Coronado National Memorial in southern Arizona, using the Huachuca Mountain Crest Trail for most of the way, signed on the other side of the road from the parking area. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . We kept walking and after a minute or so, we stopped to assess what had just happened. • Prominence: 5,006 feet These two guys were after a group of "20 or 30 Mexicans". The day was clear and we had hundred-mile views in all directions. However, the insects were bombarding us, and it was warm, so we decided to get moving before too long. • Elevation: 9,466 feet All photos and content Copyright Mike Cavaroc, Free Roaming Hiker/Free Roaming Photography. We said yes, it'll take you down to Montezuma Pass. We did meet two coyotes, and later, two agents. We kept walking and after a minute or so, we stopped to assess what had just happened. Finally, the Crest Trail meets the trail coming in from the north (the Carr Peak Trail), and the last mile was up a steep series of switchbacks hewn into the rock to support a fire lookout that once stood atop the peak. hiking views nature-trips birding trail-running dogs-leash forest wild-flowers walking wildlife. Although the scenery along the way is not as spectacular as some other hikes in southern Arizona, the view from the summit is as far as the eye can see in all directions. We took our walk out slowly to allow for Beth's knees to rest. Miller Peak (Arizona) Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Miller Peak (Arizona) is: Mostly dryMild temperatures (max 7°C on Mon afternoon, min 2°C on Wed afternoon)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the WNW on Tue night, light winds from the NE by Thu morning). View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The landscape makes a quick and dramatic change as you pass over a ridge onto the north side of a canyon. We noticed evidence of other crossers, including food wrappers, water bottles and an occasional piece of clothing. Neither I nor the webhost can be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based on these trip reports. They asked us what we were doing here. To here, we'd gained 1,300 feet in two miles. The temperatures in the deserts had been around 110 degrees today, and it felt like the 90s at the trailhead. Border-crossing issues aside, the Huachuca Mountains are one of the "Sky Island" ranges in southeast Arizona. Miller Peak has nearly a vertical mile of relief above the surounding valleys. The temperatures in the deserts had been around 110 degrees today, and it felt like the 90s at the trailhead. San Rafael Valley from Montezuma Pass It was a scenic, fun way to kill the day. Neither of us slept much. The southernmost trailhead at Montezuma Pass is just one mile north of the border, and we chose to start our hike here. It starts off steep in Coronado National Memorial, before crossing the boundary into the Miller Peak Wilderness where the rockiness of the higher elevations begins to make its mark. Why spend it in a nice restaurant or home listening to romantic music? but for birders, especially those visiting from elsewhere, it’s a well-known and great location to see a nice variety of hummingbirds – and other species if you continue up the canyon. We hoped the shade might offer some relief from the sun, but apparently every insect in the range thought so, too, and we had no respite from the bugs. There is no tree cover here and it was warm, but we made good time. I greeted them in my meager Spanish, and they greeted us back. Tips: Highest point in the Huachuca Mtns, and part of the Miller Peak Wilderness Area.Good views. Miller Peak, Arizona 9,466' Click on map to view full-screen map And makes it! Once at the Miller peak spur trail you start your assent to the top. Nelly James Mine, Miller Canyon, Miller Peak, Cochise County, Arizona, USA List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. The Miller Peak Trail in the Huachuca Mountains climbs 3,000 feet over 5.5 miles to reach the highest peak in the range, giving hikers an unparalleled view of the surrounding deserts. We noticed evidence of other crossers, including food wrappers, water bottles and an occasional piece of clothing. For entertainment purposes only. Joining a much denser forest of oaks now are ponderosa pines, marking a noticeable gain in elevation. They asked us what we were doing here. It was an exciting hike. They asked us what peak that was, pointing at Miller Peak, so we told them it was Miller Peak. We told them of the two guys we'd seen earlier, but that was nearly three hours ago, and they were probably in Mexico by now. They weren't interrogating us. The signed trailhead takes off right of the gravel road and starts climbing immediately. The upper ridges of the Huachucas were now visible. It can be reached via Miller Canyon for a tough and rewarding climb. We surmounted a pass at a ridgepoint near Peak 7964. For Beth and I, this would be our second wedding anniversary. From the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center, head west on Montezuma Canyon Road for 3.3 miles. The summit reaches to 9,466 feet and has three very good trail options. You soon emerge from the dense forest of pines and have a full panoramic view of the open desert below. After 15 minutes, they got up and started walking. • I can’t speak to the other aspects of the location (honey, lodging, etc.) After that, the rest of the hike was rather unexciting. They were very friendly and probably relieved to see us and be able to take a break from all the running around. Sierra Vista has a population of approximately 50,000 residents. They weren't interrogating us. • Teammates: Beth, two Mexican coyotes, two B.P. We arrived to the small parking area at Montezuma Pass at 7:30 a.m.. We were the only ones there. There was a good chance that a batch of them were hiding in the brush as we passed. • Gain: 2,900 feet Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! We started hiking at 8 a.m. in warm conditions. After a steep climb you are on top of the Huachuca range and have conquered Miller peak 9470 ft. We took our walk out slowly to allow for Beth's knees to rest. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. The room's air conditioning did not work, the room's temperature about 90 degrees the whole night. Miller Peak is a spectacular landmark mountain located in far-south Arizona near the town of Sierra Vista and the Fort Huachuca Military Base. • Distance: 10 miles The Carr Peak Trail keeps going past the Carr peak spur. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. There is no tree cover here and it was warm, but we made good time. We kept walking and after a minute or so, we stopped to assess what had just happened. It sucked. We continued northbound on the Crest Trail, the forest growing slightly thicker as we gained elevation. The southernmost trailhead at Montezuma Pass is just one mile north of the border, and we chose to start our hike here. The day's warmth wasn't too bad, and we made decent time. The hiking here is notoriously lovely, and we were not unduly concerned about encountering crossers. It was a scenic, fun way to kill the day. We gave them a few minutes head start, then we resumed our hike. The closest town is Sierra Vista, and there are a number of trails leading into the range, connecting with the main Crest Trail. We did not see a single other person on our hike out. For Beth and I, this would be our second wedding anniversary. We crossed the road and found the trail, and started in. It was safer than leaving our truck stashed in some side canyon. They were very friendly and probably relieved to see us and be able to take a break from all the running around. After that, the rest of the hike was rather unexciting. Just lots of bugs. These two guys were after a group of "20 or 30 Mexicans". We hiked down the mile to where the trails met, and we hiked another few minutes south on the Crest Trail, taking a break in a wide area in a glade of trees. It sucked. They then asked us which way was out, as in if they follow this trail, will they get out? Miller Peak is the highest peak of the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona, not far from the Mexican border. MILLER PEAK Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Located just a few miles from the Mexican border, Miller Peak is the southern most mountain summit in the United States.   They asked us what peak that was, pointing at Miller Peak, so we told them it was Miller Peak. Hiking info, trail maps, and 20 trip reports from Miller Peak (9,466 ft) in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona A few minutes passed, and we were approaching a point where the trail meets the crest again and crosses to the west side. 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