Devils Canyon Trail #237

The Devil’s Canyon/North Bruno Trail system offers access into an area of remote canyons, odd rock formations and bluff-faced peaks on the south end of the Chiricahua Mountains. Devil’s Canyon, so far as anyone knows, is so named because the pinnacles, needles and balanced rocks that form its canyon walls resemble distorted human forms. The trail leaves Rucker Canyon Road and heads up-canyon, under the watchful eye of these devil rocks, as it wanders its way among riparian stands of sycamore, willow and ash. This vital streamside habitat provides an excellent place to enjoy a little birdwatching and perhaps catch a glimpse of some larger wildlife before the trail leaves the canyon floor to begin its gradual climb, through oak and juniper, to Bruno Saddle. From Bruno Saddle, a side trail (Rucker Peak Trail #601) leads to Rucker Peak’s 7,136 foot summit, one of the highest in the southern Chiricahuas. The main trail continues from the saddle down into North Bruno Canyon. Here, it follows the riparian area to the junction with the North Bruno Trail #237A. This latter trail connects the Devil’s Canyon Trail to a trailhead off the Rucker/Tex Canyon road, FR 74, at the end of FR 4818. From the Devil’s Canyon/North Bruno trail junction one can choose to head up North Bruno Canyon and end the journey, or continue down North Bruno Canyon to explore more of this remote area. The North Bruno Trail ends at a junction with a 4-wheel drive road at the confluence of North and South Bruno Canyons. There is, however, no public vehicular access to this point.

DISTANCE: Approximately 3.3 miles one way.