SKIT Day 34: Chiricahua Mountains

Daily Miles: 14.7, Total Miles: 441.4

An unusually quiet night, except for one hooting owl.

I was up early and cut across to the Mulkins Ranch Road on a gas pipeline service road. Initially making good time heading into Emigrant Canyon and the Chiricahua Mountains. Got water at a large cattle trough and continued up the canyon on a 4WD road, then just following the wash. Some parts of the canyon had flowing water, usually fouled by cattle. I entered a narrows section where no cows could go and had to climb up two waterfalls/pouroffs. I had to pull up my pack behind me, almost a showstopper. Am I back on the Hayduke? I later read a trail description that stated a detour around these obstacles was necessary. Oh well, too late for me.

I eventually topped out at Emigrant Pass and picked my way down to Woods Canyon. I then started up that drainage, some parts obviously prone to flash flooding.

Some flowing water so filtered some on the way up. The canyon got narrower so took cattle trails high on the canyon walls and near sunset, found a level bench to camp at almost 7,000′. Great views of the Chiricahua Mountains including Cochise Head.