Hike Chiricahua Peak via Mormon Ridge and Pole Bridge Loop Coronado National Forest, AZ

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This hike approaches Chiricahua Peak from the west, using various trails to form a loop. I did this hike so long ago and didn’t really write a lot, but I more recently hiked Chiricahua Peak from the east. Coming from that direction, while longer, is a lot more scenic and I’d recommend it over this route. I’m keeping this report up regardless, mostly since there are some photos that could be useful in planning.

The Mormon Canyon Trail seems to be the more standard route hikers take from the west, but I liked the idea of being higher up on the adjacent ridge, which hosted the Mormon ridge Trail. I started up the Mormon Ridge Trail, which was overall easy to follow, even though it had some overgrowth and thorns.

The last bit to Chiricahua Peak was through an old burn area, but the trail was in good shape. The summit was forested and therefore had minimal views. I dropped back down from Chiricahua Peak and continued along the ridge via the Crest Trail. Along the way, I took a couple of detours to Raspberry Peak and Monte Vista Peak. The highlight of the hike were the grassy sweeping views toward Paint Rock, and its surrounding rock formations.

I also took a detour up the east ridge of Johnson Mountain, a steep and sometimes brushy add-on. Be careful of barbed wire. Most people seem to hike down the Morse Canyon Trail from the base of Johnson Peak, and that trail is likely more well-defined than what I took. Instead, I continued from Johnson Peak along the ridge, then hiked down the Pole Bridge Canyon Trail, which became difficult to follow at times. Mainly I just stuck to the creek and somehow managed to find the trail in bits and pieces as I descended back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Chiricahua Peak

9759 ft

5139 rise

Raspberry Peak

9400 ft

360 rise

Monte Vista Peak

9357 ft

197 rise

Johnson Peak

8890 ft

330 rise

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Along the Mormon Ridge Trail.

View back along the Mormon Ridge Trail.

Some nice scenery along the Mormon Ridge Trail.

Another shot back as I progress up the ridge.

Forested terrain higher up.

A view back along Mormon Ridge.

A view toward Cochise Head in the distance.

The final push to Chiricahua Peak., which was forested and had basically no views.

I next took the Crest Trail over toward Raspberry Peak.

Passing by some cool pinnacles along the way.

Really neat scenery along the ridgline Paint Rock seen ahead. The trail wraps left around it.

Another shot toward Paint Rock.

Looking back toward Chiricahua Peak.

Views near Raspberry Peak.

Cabin and lookout tower on Monte Vista Peak.

Monte Vista Peak views.

Johnson Peak ahead.

Looking back up as I descend the Pole Bridge Canyon Trail.

Often the trail became difficult to follow.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!