AZ-Carr+Canyon--Old+Sawmill+Spring

Also see Carr Canyon
 * =Birding in Arizona=

Cochise County
=Carr Canyon--Old Sawmill Spring= Hereford, Arizona 85615 Carr Peak Trail and Old Sawmill Spring Trail webpage Old Sawmill Spring Trail map Carr Canyon Road Scenic Drive webpage

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Carr Canyon--Old Sawmill Spring
Coordinates: 31.4219876, -110.2965385 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About Old Sawmill Spring
Carr Peak Spur #108 \& Old Sawmill Spring Trail #126). This trail is not only easy to get to, but it provides a relatively moderate hike to some of the best views in the Huachucas. In the process, it also offers access to two of the highest points in southeastern Arizona, Carr Peak and (via the Crest Trail #103) Miller Peak. For these reasons, this combination of trails provides some of the most popular hiking on the Sierra Vista District. Carr Peak Trail is conveniently accessible from both the Reef Townsite Campground and Ramsey Vista Campground on scenic Carr Canyon Road. The main trailhead is located at the edge of a parking area just outside Ramsey Vista Campground. Other means of access are provided by a short spur that comes directly out of the Ramsey Vista Campground, and the Old Sawmill Spring Trail from the parking lot across FR 368 from the Reef Townsite Campground. Much of the 2,000-foot climb from the trailhead to the summit is through an area that has been burned by at least two wildfires, one in 1977 that scorched much of the upper reaches of the mountain range and a smaller one in 1991. These areas of disturbance are well on their way to healing naturally as various shrubs, trees and wildflowers return to reclaim them. In places where a short time ago only ashes, burnt snags, and bare dirt could be found, healthy communities of young aspens are already putting on brilliant displays of fall colors. The trail offers good views of the upper reaches of Carr Peak and of Miller Peak across Miller Canyon. To get to the top of Carr Peak (9,230'), you’ll need to follow the short but steep Carr Peak Spur. The main trail continues on to a connection with the Crest Trail, which offers access not only to Miller Peak but to the rest of the Huachuca Mountains trail network. From Carr Peak Trail and Old Sawmill Spring Trail web page

About Carr Canyon
If you look up at the Huachuca Mountains from the town of Sierra Vista, a band of sheer cliffs bends and curves across the face of the mountain range. The relatively flat area above is called the Carr Reef. In this case, however, the word “reef” doesn’t refer to coral and oceans. It harks back to an earlier time when it also meant a thick layer of exposed rock. While you’re looking at the Reef, you may also notice a tree-covered break in that impressive barrier, just south of a deep canyon. Look even closer and you should see a barely visible set of switchbacks climbing that slope. That is the Carr Canyon Road, the only road into the upper reaches of the Huachuca Range. This narrow, winding road was built at the turn of the century to open up the Carr Reef to gold and silver mining. It was reconstructed in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The mines have come and gone, but the road persists with little change. The people who travel it, however, have changed considerably. Where hardy prospectors once searched for their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, outdoor recreationists and history buffs now travel the Carr Canyon Road to enjoy the splendid scenery and seek the flavor of the past. For them, the Carr Canyon Road provides the reward of extraordinary views of Sierra Vista, the San Pedro Valley, and a number of surrounding mountain ranges as it winds its way up the mountain. Since the road is so narrow, we recommend for safety that you use one of the pullouts along the road if you want to stop and enjoy the view. A forest recreation area stands in an area once occupied by the mining outpost of Reef. Here, you’ll find the Reef Townsite Loop Trail and two scenic forest campgrounds. From the Reef, the Carr Peak Trail #107 and Comfort Springs Trail #109 connect to an extensive network of trails that lead throughout the Huachuca Range.

Directions: Tucson, travel east on I-10 to AZ-90 (exit 302). Turn south and drive 33 miles on AZ 90 through Sierra Vista to the Carr Canyon Road. Turn right and drive 7 miles up the mountain. The last 5 miles are dirt.

Panoramic views. Historic mining district. Camping and picnicking. Self-guided interpretive trail. Hiking and horseback trails.Season: Year long, but the road may occasionally be closed due to snow. Road Conditions: The first mile or so is paved; the rest is dirt and suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. The switchbacks are narrow and steep with no guard rails. No motor homes on this one. From Carr Canyon Road Scenic Drive webpage

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|| L2930284 US US-AZ US-AZ-003 31.4219876 -110.2965385 Carr Canyon--Old Sawmill Spring