Description of the Huachuca Canyon Hike

Huachuca Canyon is within the boundaries of Fort Huachuca and there are times when access to the canyon may be unavailable.  Potential hikers that are not US citizens may not be allowed access to the fort at all.  If in doubt, call the Fort for more information.  Entrance into the Fort requires a picture ID such as a driver's license from any one of the 50 states.  Once on the Fort, be aware that speed limits on the Fort are strictly enforced.  There is no tolerance for any speeds above the posted limits.  There is an excellent museum on the Fort and it is well worth a trip to the Fort just to see the museum. 

Huachuca Canyon faces northeast and has reliable water and so it is good place for birders to see some interesting birds.  If one is lucky one might see an elegant trogan, a rufus backed robin or a Sinaloa wren.  All of these birds have been seen in Huachuca Canyon fairly recently.  Much of the lower canyon near the stream is forested with oaks, sycamores, pines and madrone trees.  In December and November the the ripe red berries of the madrone trees can be a magnet for many birds. 

Hiking in Huachuca Canyon means hiking up a rocky road that is frequently used by off road vehicles, horses, joggers as well as hikers.  The higher you hike the more primitive the road becomes.  There are numerous picnic tables and pullouts beside the road in the lower stretches of canyon.  There is one trailhead for the D Break Trail that steeply climbs away from the road and up to saddle.  Other trails intersect the road beyond the "Y".  There is an interesting cavelike feature known as "jaws" along the trail.

Access to Huachuca Canyon is strictly controlled by a gate that only allows access during daylight hours.  Other signs have other restrictions.  Since Fort Huachuca is an active military installation is important to comply with all posted restrictions.  Speed