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Hike Trail

Estes Canyon Trail

5.0 (1 Rating)
A great place for spring wildflowers.
1.5
mi
Distance
441
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
NPS federal fee area (national monument).

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.49mi
Distance
441ft
Elevation Gain
32ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
2,787ft
High Point
2,378ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail can be accessed via the Ajo Mountain Drive off of Highway 85 (the drive starts just opposite the park visitor center). The trail starts at the Estes Canyon Picnic Area and crosses various sandy washes (look for the cairns that mark the trail as especially after the summer monsoon season the trail maybe completely washed out). The first mile is an easy, flat hike; then the trail starts climbing up steeply. You'll find lots of wildflowers in the spring like poppies and brittle brush. The trail offers little shade in summer, so bring plenty of water. Once you reach the intersection with the Bull Pasture Trail, you can either continue up to Bull Pasture or return via the Bull Pasture Trail to the parking lot.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Katherine Thomas