Silver Peak in Coronado National Forest, AZ

Hike Silver Peak Coronado National Forest, AZ

Class 1 8.8 miles 3000 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Nov 15, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Silver Peak GPX Track

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Silver Peak in the Chiricahua Mountains is accessed from the east side of the range. The drive in was far prettier than I expected, lots of interesting rock faces comprising this side of the Chiricahuas. The trail to the summit is in great shape, except for the start where lots of social trails lead in a confusing jumble. The trail heads northwest through meadows. Views to the south are really incredible due to the mass of rock hoodoos around Cave Creek Canyon. The trail wraps around a ridge and heads southwest, Silver Peak becoming visible in the distance. There were a few short sections of switchbacks, but overall the trail is just a light to moderate incline for the hike's duration. The last bit includes a forested walk, and a short section of concrete steps leads to the summit lookout. I confirmed the sub-peak to the southeast is in fact not the high point, and so I skipped the bushwhack to that lesser, questionable summit and instead hung out on concrete lookout area for a bit.

I didn't realize the town of Portal would be just a few houses, so I was happy to find a single cafe with some food. Down the road I was able to grab a cheap shower, too.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Silver Peak
8008 ft
2008 rise

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Starting along the Silver Peak Trail.
Starting along the Silver Peak Trail.
The trail leads through some pretty meadows.
The trail leads through some pretty meadows.
View back along the Silver Peak Trail as the trail heads northwest.
View back along the Silver Peak Trail as the trail heads northwest.
The trail continues toward the cliffs above, but skirts well below them, wrapping around their base.
The trail continues toward the cliffs above, but skirts well below them, wrapping around their base.
View into Cave Creek Canyon.
View into Cave Creek Canyon.
Image 5 from gallery
The Silver Peak Trail wraps around beneath the cliffs.
The Silver Peak Trail wraps around beneath the cliffs.
Silver Peak comes into view.
Silver Peak comes into view.
Image 8 from gallery
The trail wraps around the slope to Silver Peak's north side.
The trail wraps around the slope to Silver Peak's north side.
Image 10 from gallery
Switchbacks up Silver Peak's north slopes.
Switchbacks up Silver Peak's north slopes.
Some hoodoos along the trail.
Some hoodoos along the trail.
Image 13 from gallery
Nearing the summit of Silver Peak.
Nearing the summit of Silver Peak.
Concrete steps to the summit.
Concrete steps to the summit.
Silver Peak summit, view south toward the Chiricahuas.
Silver Peak summit, view south toward the Chiricahuas.
Silver Peak summit, view north.
Silver Peak summit, view north.

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!