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Rucker #222
Rucker and Red Rock Canyon (area is unavailable)trails provide access to a landscape of deep canyons and high peaks in the southern reaches of the Chiricahua Wilderness. Rucker Trail starts at the end of Forest Road 74E at Rucker Forest Camp (area is unavailable) and winds upstream along Rucker Creek through a deep forest of Arizona sycamore and cypress and ponderosa, Apache and Chihuahua pine. Portions of the creek along the trailside hold water year round and serve as home to a small introduced population of trout. Just upstream of the perennial water, Rucker Trail switchbacks steeply up the canyon’s east slope to join the Red Rock Canyon Trail. Beyond this point, the trail descends 0.8 mile to its junction with the Price Canyon Trail #224. The trail up Red Rock Canyon starts from the end of a primitive road, in an area of juniper and oak woodlands. For about 2.5 miles, it follows the floor of the narrow canyon named for the colorful rhyolite rocks that form its walls. The trail then switchbacks up and out of the canyon, over Sage Peak and along a high ridge to its junction with the Rucker Trail. There are good views along both of these trails, which you can take as a loop, if you don’t mind traveling forest roads for about 4.5 miles between the trailheads. Both trails also provide access to a number of other Chiricahua trails including (by way of the Price Canyon Trail #224) the Crest Trail #270 along the top of the mountain range.
Map
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. |
| Operated By: | Douglas Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Douglas, take Leslie Canyon Road north to Rucker Canyon. Stay on the main road, which will become Forest Road 74. For the Rucker Trail, turn left (north) on FR 74E and continue about 4.7 miles. The trailhead is at the end of the road. To Red Rock Canyon Trailhead, follow FR 74 to FR 74E, turn left (north) and drive about 3 miles to a primitive 4-wheel drive road (FR 4242) that turns right and down over a bank. Follow this road across Rucker Creek to a parking area where you can choose to park and walk to the trailhead or continue driving to it. Horse trailers should be parked along FR 628. These roads are rough and dusty and may be muddy and slick when wet. There is a flash flood danger at water crossings following summer and winter storms.
Activities
Day Hiking
Colorful canyons, Forest diversity', Riparian areas, Loop trail, Good views. Both of these trails are entirely within the Chiricahua Wilderness. Use 4.5 miles of Forest Road 74E and Forest Road 4242 to complete a loop. USGS Map(s): Chiricahua Peak| Elevation desc | 6,800 - 8,260 feet |
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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