Apache Canyon Trail to Rock Corral

Apache Canyon Trail to Rock Corral is a 7.2-mile out-and-back from an unmarked roadside pullout, crossing Burro Mesa to the stone corral associated with Sam Nail Ranch. The mapped hike ends at the corral; the nearby cabin and colorful Apache Canyon overlooks are off-trail extensions. The tread is described as maintained but is not signed or included in the park's trail brochures, so check with the park about access before setting out. Plan about 4 to 5 hours for the walk and time at the corral; that is a planning estimate, since a typical time is not published.

The pullout is at the Cottonwood Creek crossing on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, about 1.3 miles south of Sam Nail Ranch. There is no signed trailhead or formal lot. Park on the east side, cross the road to the west-side wash, and follow the sandy creek bed southwest for about 200 feet until a cairn marks the path climbing out of the wash. A detailed map and GPS help: the route is marked by cairns rather than signs.

The first climb is mostly gentle through cactus scrub, with a short steeper section of loose stones up to a saddle on Burro Mesa. Turn around there for a look back toward the Chisos; the mesa crossing ahead is open and easy to underestimate from the road.

The path rises and dips through low, sparsely vegetated hills, crossing dry washes and climbing to a few low ridges. Chisos Mountain views open behind you to the east, while rounded Peak 4145 and Peak 4085 appear ahead to the west. After the last ridge, the route descends into a broad, brushy valley and crosses the wash toward Peak 4145.

The stone corral sits at the foot of that western peak, across the valley from Peak 4085. Its walls enclose a rectangle about 150 by 90 feet and stand roughly 4 to 5 feet high. This is the end of the established trail; turn around here and retrace the same cairned route.

The entire walk is exposed to the sun, with no dependable water source identified along the route. Repeated ups and downs add about 900 feet of cumulative climbing, even though the single highest point is only about 200 feet above the trailhead. Carry all the water you need, start early, and favor the cooler months. Pets are not allowed on park trails.

The cabin and Apache Canyon's colored rock walls require leaving the established route and finding your own way across washes and a saddle. They are not part of this mapped hike. Leave the corral, cabin remains, stones, and any artifacts undisturbed.