Photo: maarit u / CC BY 3.0

Attractions 6,555 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Pets Allowed on Leash Distance: 4 Miles Round-Trip Inside Park (10.6 Miles to Miller Peak) Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Change: 4000 feet to Miller Peak The trailhead begins at the northeast end of Montezuma Pass parking area and climbs for 2 miles to the northwestern park boundary where it enters the Miller Peak Wilderness Area. It continues along the crest of the Huachuca Mountains to the turnoff for Miller Peak, the highest peak in the range.

Near Hereford, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Crest Trail, here's what to bring.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Crest Trail supports 7 outdoor activities, with backpacking being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 60/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 2 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 30/10, Crest Trail has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (179mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (31N), Elevated (6,555ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 60/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
2 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Crest Trail sits within a Desert ecosystem home to 5 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.

Trees (2)

Arizona sycamore — Large lobed leaves resemble those of other sycamores.
silverleaf oak — Leaf undersides are pale and slightly fuzzy.

Wildflowers (1)

Arizona poppy — Bright orange to yellow cup-shaped flowers.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
tree cholla — Spines detach easily and cling to fur or clothing. The plant produces greenish to yellow flowers in spring.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
ocotillo
rainbow hedgehog cactus
Palmer's agave
saguaro

Mammals (5)

White-tailed Deer — Reddish-brown in summer and grayish in winter with a bright white underside to the tail.
Arizona Gray Squirrel — A large gray squirrel with white underparts and long bushy tail.
White-nosed Coati — A raccoon-like mammal with long ringed tail and white facial markings.
Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Ruddy Duck — Breeding male with bright blue bill and chestnut body
Rock Pigeon — Blue-gray with two black wing bars
Ring-necked Duck — Male with glossy black head and gray sides
Gambel's Quail — Gray body with chestnut flanks
Neotropic Cormorant — Small dark cormorant

Reptiles (9)

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — A medium-sized lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloring.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped dorsal blotches.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Clark's Spiny Lizard — A medium lizard with rough scales and gray to brown coloration.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail — A slender lizard with spotted pattern and faint stripes.

Amphibians (3)

Sonoran Desert Toad
Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad

Insects (20)

Marine Blue
Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Sister
American Snout
Bordered Patch

Other Wildlife (1)

Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Nature Bingo at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Broad-billed Hummingbird (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Sonoran Desert Toad (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Crest Trail averages 60.1°F annually, with Temperate conditions.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 60.1°F

Annual precipitation: 20.6 in

With an average annual temperature of 60.1°F and 20.6 inches of precipitation, Crest Trail has warm, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 75°F, while winter lows drop to 45°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Winter 45°

1.5"

Spring 58°

0.3"

Summer 75°

4.4"

Fall 63°

1.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	45°F	1.5 in
Feb	48°F	1.5 in
Mar	52°F	1.2 in
Apr	58°F	0.3 in
May	66°F	0.3 in
Jun	75°F	0.7 in
Jul	75°F	4.4 in
Aug	73°F	4.5 in
Sep	70°F	2.0 in
Oct	63°F	1.2 in
Nov	52°F	1.2 in
Dec	45°F	1.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10.1 hours in winter to 14.2 hours in summer — a difference of 4.1 hours.

Summer: 5:15 AM – 7:26 PM

Winter: 7:12 AM – 5:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:12 AM, Sunset 5:19 PM Golden hour from 4:43 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:15 AM, Sunset 7:26 PM Golden hour from 6:50 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:32 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:04 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Crest Trail — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Crest Trail is Phoenix, about 179 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (179 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $44.64 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 144.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: allowed — Found: 'pets allowed'
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 15 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Crest Trail.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Reef Townsite Group Area, Cochise 5.39 mi
Ramsey Vista Campground, Cochise 5.44 mi
Lakeview Campground, Cochise 11 mi
Rock Bluff Group Site (N, 0mi), Cochise 11.41 mi
Rock Bluff Campground, Cochise 11.41 mi

Nearby Attractions

Coronado Peak Trail, Coronado National Memorial 0.07 mi
Yaqui Ridge Trail, Coronado National Memorial 0.72 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Crest Trail register a Bortle class 2, making this a Typical truly dark site location for stargazing.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Crest Trail, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (good)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Crest Trail.

The seasons shape the experience at Crest Trail — here's what each one brings.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

Crest Trail sits on the traditional lands of O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Ópata (Tegüima-Eudebe-Hoba).

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Tohono O’odham, Ópata (Tehuima), Chiricahua.

Data from Native Land Digital

Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Crest Trail sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Late Cretaceous sedimentary
Lithology: sedimentary
Age: Late Cretaceous

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 69
Unique Species: 45
Oldest: 312.8 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 36
Richness: High
Minerals Found: Gold, Silver, Tungsten, Lead, Copper, Stone, Crushed/Broken, Gypsum-Anhydrite

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (1994-06-25)
Record Low: 1°F (2011-02-03)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 29
Largest Fire: Monument (32,074.4 acres)
Most Recent: 2023
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: 150502020207

Crest Trail, Coronado National Memorial Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Crest Trail before heading out using these official sources.

Nearest weather station: CORONADO NATIONAL MEMORIAL, AZ US (1.88 mi)