Miller Peak and Coronado Peak from Montezuma Pass in Coronado National Forest, AZ

Hike Miller Peak and Coronado Peak from Montezuma Pass Coronado National Forest, AZ

Class 1 10.8 miles 3400 gain 4-6 hrs Out + Back Jun 2, 2020
Effort
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Solitude
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Miller Peak is an ultra-prominent peak just north of the Mexico border. I took the Arizona Trail (the standard route) for the majority of this hike, starting from Montezuma Pass. The drive was fine for any vehicle. The trail began just across the road and was in great shape. It started along the desert slopes, slowly gaining elevation and including a few minor switchbacks before reaching the very end of the southern ridge of Miller Peak. The trail continued just right of the ridge crest, avoiding cliffs, but not sacrificing lovely views to the east. The Arizona Trail passed over the ridge crest to avoid a major cliff and continued on the west side of the ridge, where there was one section of slightly brushy trail, but it wasn't a big deal. For a short time, I was blocked by the overwhelming sun by a forested half mile before returning to the desert heat. Despite its high elevation, it was too hot to be doing this one in June. Past the forested section, the trail headed up a bunch of very tight switchbacks on the west face of Miller Peak, nice construction working up the cliffy terrain. I hit a junction, where keeping left would continue along the Arizona Trail, and going right brought me to the summit. This hike has some gorgeous scenery and a climactic summit view. 

After getting back from Miller Peak, I followed the very short and interpretive trail to the south to Coronado Peak, a cute addition.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Miller Peak
9466 ft
5006 rise
2
Coronado Peak
6864 ft
314 rise

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Starting from Montezuma Pass onto the Arizona Trail.
Starting from Montezuma Pass onto the Arizona Trail.
The Arizona Trail leads below the ridge, winding up the slopes at a light grade % to get to the southern end of Miller Peak's south ridge.
The Arizona Trail leads below the ridge, winding up the slopes at a light grade % to get to the southern end of Miller Peak's south ridge.
Looking back, Coronado Peak center. I'll be heading over to that one later.
Looking back, Coronado Peak center. I'll be heading over to that one later.
Image 3 from gallery
Looking back, the approach road comes up the valley in the center.
Looking back, the approach road comes up the valley in the center.
Just below the southern ridge, Miller Peak visible center.
Just below the southern ridge, Miller Peak visible center.
Continuing along the Arizona Trail, just east of the ridge. Miller Peak top right.
Continuing along the Arizona Trail, just east of the ridge. Miller Peak top right.
Looking back.
Looking back.
Image 8 from gallery
Looking back as I ascend the trail, which temporarily got to the ridge crest here.
Looking back as I ascend the trail, which temporarily got to the ridge crest here.
A big cliff ahead forced the trail to swap to the west side of the ridge.
A big cliff ahead forced the trail to swap to the west side of the ridge.
On the west side of the ridge to avoid the big cliff previously pictured.
On the west side of the ridge to avoid the big cliff previously pictured.
Not shown here, but there was some minor overgrowth.
Not shown here, but there was some minor overgrowth.
The Arizona Trial headed into a much-needed shaded section, but it only lasted a half mile or so.
The Arizona Trial headed into a much-needed shaded section, but it only lasted a half mile or so.
After the forested section, the trail begins taking tight switchbacks up the cliffy west face of Miller Peak.
After the forested section, the trail begins taking tight switchbacks up the cliffy west face of Miller Peak.
Looking back toward the forested section of the trail.
Looking back toward the forested section of the trail.
Cute switchbacks up the west face.
Cute switchbacks up the west face.
Junction, left continues along the crest, right to the summit of Miller Peak.
Junction, left continues along the crest, right to the summit of Miller Peak.
Almost to the summit, view north toward Carr Peak. If it wasn't so hot, I would have loved to go to it via the crest, but I was low on water.
Almost to the summit, view north toward Carr Peak. If it wasn't so hot, I would have loved to go to it via the crest, but I was low on water.
Last push to the summit of Miller Peak.
Last push to the summit of Miller Peak.
Miller Peak summit, view north toward Carr Peak.
Miller Peak summit, view north toward Carr Peak.
Miller Peak summit, view south toward the ascent ridge.
Miller Peak summit, view south toward the ascent ridge.
Back at Montezuma Pass, starting up to Coronado Peak as a cute add-on.
Back at Montezuma Pass, starting up to Coronado Peak as a cute add-on.
Coronado Peak Trail.
Coronado Peak Trail.
Looking back toward the cliffs across the valley where the approach comes from, Montezuma Peak visible center.
Looking back toward the cliffs across the valley where the approach comes from, Montezuma Peak visible center.
Another shot back just below Coronado Peak's minor summit, where you can see the ascent ridge to Miller Peak (left of center), and Miller Peak poking out above it.
Another shot back just below Coronado Peak's minor summit, where you can see the ascent ridge to Miller Peak (left of center), and Miller Peak poking out above it.
Coronado Peak summit.
Coronado Peak summit.

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