Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is a 1.8-mile out-and-back from the Sugarloaf parking lot to a rocky summit and historic fire lookout. It gains about 500 feet in 0.9 mile, ending at 7,310 feet above the surrounding canyons. Budget one to two hours. The walk is short, but it is an honest uphill climb; it suits hikers who want a summit and wide views without giving up half a day. Start at the Sugarloaf lot: the Echo Canyon and Massai Point trails are separate walks.

A narrow dirt path leaves the lot and traverses the mountain's north side, gaining height gradually at first. The short rock tunnel is the route's signature moment, and the path keeps changing its angle on the ridges as it wraps around the slope. Fallen boulders and pale cliffs line parts of the way; the entrance road appears far below in Bonita Canyon. Near the upper mountain, the trail rounds a corner and opens a view toward Echo Canyon's volcanic pinnacles. The final approach steepens and climbs the ridge by a couple of switchbacks. The path is established, though rocky patches make the ascent feel more demanding than the mileage suggests.

The rounded top is rocky and often windy. From here, the view runs across the pinnacles and higher Chiricahua peaks, with Cochise Head and the desert lowlands standing out on clear days. The small Civilian Conservation Corps lookout was built in the 1930s and is used to monitor summer lightning. It gives the summit a real purpose as well as a landmark to frame in a photo: include the lookout and some of the volcanic skyline, instead of filling the whole frame with distant hills. Return by the same trail; this is not a loop.

Look at the color change between the pale rock at the tunnel and the darker summit. The tunnel cuts through volcanic tuff, while the summit's dark dacite is evidence of a lava flow. Those rocks are part of the walk, not just background: the route moves from a cut through light-colored stone to an exposed dome of darker volcanic rock. At the top, take a moment to look down at the canyons that make the mountain's height so clear.

Use the Sugarloaf parking lot at the end of its short spur road off Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, near Massai Point. The lot is at about 6,780 feet; a restroom is shown there, but there is no food or water on the trail. Bring water and sun protection for the climb. Pets are not allowed on this route. The park lists it as a year-round hike, but winter snow can affect the summit, and the high, exposed top is a poor place to be when lightning approaches. Stay on the path and do not climb the rock formations.