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CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST
Administered by the U.S. Forest Service branch of the Department of
Agriculture Coronado National Forest covers 1.7 million acres in six
counties and a portion of New Mexico. These mountain ranges are open
to public use and are accessible by Forest Service roads and jeep trails.
In the Sierra Vista Ranger District, many recreational opportunities
exist. Three mountain ranges exist in the Sierra Vista Ranger district:
Huachuca, Whetstone and Patagonia. At the southern end of the district,
Miller Peak at 9466 feet dominates 20,000 acres of quality wilderness.
In autumn, the aspens and maples provide a colorful show. The Huachuca
Mountains are home to some of the most celebrated birding spots in the
U.S. and more than 50 miles of trails with various degrees of difficulty
challenging hiking enthusiasts. The Forest Service roads and jeep trails
provide rock hounding areas containing quartz crystals, carnelion and
fossils of numerous periods and descriptions. The ledge-like shelf above
the steep northern face of the Huachuca Range is a favorite push-off
spot for hang gliders that enjoy a breathtaking 30-minute flight to
the valley below. Knowledgeable enthusiasts are usually available and
willing to give directions to good hiking, birding and rock hounding
areas. Friendly businesses in nearby Whetstone and Sierra Vista are
also good sources of information. For more information call 520-378-0311
or visit the Sierra Vista Ranger District Office and Bookstore at 5990
S. Highway 92 between the 327 and 328 mile markers. Click here to visit
the Coronado National Forest website.
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