Burro Trail #240

Burro Trail #240 is a backcountry hiking route in the Chiricahua Mountains (Coronado National Forest). It links from the South Fork Trail at Maple Camp up into the high country via Horseshoe Saddle, then continues down toward the Horseshoe Canyon end of the route.

Plan on a long, sustained day: about 14.1 miles out-and-back with roughly 2,746 ft of gain and an estimated 7–8 hours. Much of the work is climbing out of the South Fork/Cave Creek canyon and then negotiating high, exposed tread near the saddle area.

The trail starts by crossing the South Fork of Cave Creek and immediately begins climbing out of the canyon. Early on, expect a burn-area stretch that transitions into red rhyolite country before you reach Horseshoe Saddle.

Between Maple Camp, Red Rocks, and Horseshoe Saddle, tread can be narrow in places and sometimes brushy; there are also short, rocky/passage sections where you need careful foot placement. Near Horseshoe Saddle, several short tread blowouts have been reported—stay alert on the steeper, tighter segments.

Log Canyon traverses include multiple side drainages, and at least one very narrow rock crossing has known history of washout and repair work. Approaching or stepping through these tight spots demands slower navigation and sure footing, especially if the rock is damp.

Above the canyon you’ll be more exposed to sun and wind, with water sources reported as extremely limited—carry enough for the whole day rather than planning on reliable mid-route refills.

For best route success, scout the committed features you’ll cross (especially narrow passages and the saddle-area tread) and check current conditions before you go; if it’s wet or recently affected by storms, assume the most delicate narrow rock areas will be harder to traverse safely.

More information: Conditions, Burro Trail #240 - Chiricahua Mountains Hiking Trails, Gibson Canyon Trail #308 — Arizona, États-Unis