Rucker Trail #222

Rucker Trail #222 is a long-distance hike in the southern Chiricahua Wilderness on the Coronado National Forest, accessed from the end of Forest Road 74E at the Rucker Recreation Area. The mapped distance is about 7.53 km (4.6 miles) as a point-to-turn-back hike, and it’s set up as an out-and-back route rather than a true loop.

From the trailhead it follows Rucker Creek upstream through dense forest of sycamore and cypress, then into ponderosa, Apache, and Chihuahua pine. Portions of the creek hold year-round water and support an introduced trout population.

As you climb, the character shifts from creekside hiking into steep canyon travel. Just upstream of the perennial water, the route switchbacks steeply up the canyon’s east slope to connect with Red Rock Canyon Trail #223.

After reaching that junction, you can continue only as far as your plan allows; the trail then descends to its junction with Price Canyon Trail #224. A practical way to think about the route is “up to the Red Rock Canyon Trail #223 connection, then back,” unless you build a longer itinerary using the other Chiricahua trailheads.

This corridor also features Rucker Lake history: near the trailhead you pass the dry lake bed on the east side of the road. The Rattlesnake Fire in 1994 filled the lake with silt, and the area isn’t maintained for re-establishing it as a recreation destination.

Water at the trail site isn’t provided as potable supply, so plan on carrying what you need. Wilderness rules prohibit motorized and mechanized equipment (including mountain bikes), and the route is listed as not accessible.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Rucker Trail #222 in Arizona | Walking Map