I rate this hike as being moderate due to some difficult sections, the river crossing, the lack of actual trail while bushwhacking and the thorny plants. It should not be attempted unless one is sure that they can handle the hike. This hike is a little different from many of the published descriptions of the Charleston Hike. Rather than using the normal parking lot on the north side of Charleston Road we will use the other parking lot on the south side of Charleston Road. There are pit toilets available at the north side parking lot but none at the the south side parking lot and so if needed one might choose to pull into the north side briefly prior to going to the south side parking lot.
Once at the south side parking lot, one begins the hike by hiking west across the abandoned railroad bridge and then immediately turning south wrapping around under the abandoned railroad bridge and hiking bushwhacking northwest along the west side of the San Pedro River following a little used trail that comes and goes. If it is warm when doing this hike one should be especially careful to avoid snakes that might be around. There are places where the hiking is difficult. After about 0.66 miles the river turns northeast and the hike similarly turns northeast for about 0.2 miles. Here, in the dense mesquite woods on the flat above the San Pedro one will find many adobe ruins of the old city of Charleston dating back to the 1880's. One can see the ruins through the mesquite trees using Google Earth.
From the Charleston Ruins one follows a trail northwest for about 0.15 miles to a rocky escarpment that runs toward the northeast. This rocky escarpment holds many petroglyphs. One should bushwhack along the lower edge of the rocky escarpment and make little side trips up into the rocks for a good view of the petroglyphs. Be aware that snakes may be present and that all the plants have thorns. There is something like 100 yards of rocky escarpment and the petroglyphs are sprinkled throughout.
From the rocky escarpment hike northeast toward the San Pedro and find a shallow place to cross the river. Note that some hikers like to bring two 13 gallon garbage bags to cover their boots while making a quick crossing. Once on the east side of the San Pedro, hike southeast and find the culvert underneath the abandoned railroad grade. Hike through the culvert and head east where one can find interpretive signs describing more petroglyphs.
This part of the hike joins up with the developed part of the Charleston hike and there are many interpretive signs (see pictures) and pretty well maintained trails including trail markers. The features of this part of the hike are the petroglyphs and the abandoned mill ruins. There are even benches and other places to sit around the mill ruins and so it makes a good lunch site. There is a good view of the Huachuca Mountains from this lunch site.
From the mill ruins, the trails lead generally south back to the parking lot with pit toilets on the north side of Charleston Road. One should hike through the parking lot to the far end and cross the fence and continue hiking on the trail that goes through a large wash and leads back to the abandoned railroad grade. Follow the railroad grade south to Charleston Road and on to the parking lot on the south side of Charleston Road. The total length of this hike is about 2.75 miles depending on side trips. As described, this hike has significant bush whacking through brush and so long sleeved shirts and full length pants are recommended. Leather gloves might be welcome as well.
