Snowshed Trail #246

Snowshed Trail #246 is a remote, strenuous out-and-back hiking route in Arizona’s Coronado National Forest that climbs from Cave Creek Canyon up into the Chiricahua high country. Expect a long push with major elevation gain, with vegetation shifting as you go (pinyon/oak/madrone low down, then ponderosa pine and aspen higher up).

The trail leaves Cave Creek Canyon from a trailhead near the Southwestern Research Station, and you’re treated to views along the route starting right at the start and continuing for much of the climb. After Deer Spring, the route reaches a junction with three options: right/northeast toward Snowshed Peak, straight toward the Crest Trail #270 area, and left toward Juniper Spring on the Crest Trail.

From the upper junction work out how you’ll handle route-finding. The trail becomes steeper near Snowshed Peak, and talus/steeper terrain means switchbacks are common in that steep section as the route traverses older talus slides.

Key intermediate waypoints on the described line include Deer Spring and then the Snowshed Saddle junction area. Around the saddle the terrain can get grassy after rain, with the tread sometimes obscured by growth even when the path is still findable.

Water is a planning constraint: springs are the main water expectation, and availability is not guaranteed everywhere. Carry enough for the whole push and plan for limited options—Water is available at the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, but what you’ll find on-trail depends on spring reliability.

This is a Wilderness route where motorized/mechanized travel isn’t allowed, and horses are permitted on the route. Plan for rougher tread and brush where it exists on the line (including narrow/steep stretches and areas prone to erosion), and don’t assume you’ll always have clear signage at junctions on or near the upper connections.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Snowshed Trail #246 - Chiricahua Mountains Hiking Trails