Ash Creek Trail #307

Ash Creek Trail #307 is a long-distance out-and-back hike in the Pinaleno Mountains of Coronado National Forest near Safford, Arizona, starting from Columbine Corrals in the Swift Trail (AZ 366) area. The route is known for a sustained canyon descent followed by the same climb back out, including a large elevation change (about 1,300 ft+) over roughly 4.9 miles to the falls area and back.

From the trailhead opposite the restrooms at Columbine Corrals Campground, the trail begins with switchback descent through conifer forest toward Ash Creek. Once in the canyon, it runs along the heavily wooded canyon wall and spends much of its time in shaded, riparian terrain.

Navigation can get tricky near the creek bed: the path may be harder to track in and along the creek-side corridor, and the canyon bottom approach is steep with loose footing. In the field, expect short-step obstructions typical of a creek-adjacent tread—multiple step-over logs and occasional crawl-under logs.

A notable destination on this route is Ash Creek Falls, reached by continuing upstream along the canyon after you pass the lower meadow area. The hike also ties into the area’s logging history, with remains tied to the old sawmill operation and its logging flume infrastructure along upper Ash Creek.

For timing, late spring through summer is commonly chosen because it’s a cooler, higher-elevation escape from surrounding desert heat (May through October is the practical window). The Swift Trail access season affects start planning in winter: the Swift Trail is closed for the winter season from about mid-November through mid-April, which can shift when you can use Columbine Corrals as a launch point.

If you’re planning a hike for this route, scout/inspect what you’ll actually step over or under and confirm you can safely commit to the creek-bed section (especially after rain when the corridor can be slick). The same goes for loose or steep segments—verify traction on approach before relying on the tread where it’s steepest and hardest to follow.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Ash Creek Trail | Sirena's Wanderings