Arizona Trail Passage 2: Canelo Hills East

AZT Passage 2: Canelo Hills East is a 13.5 mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This section is considered moderate and is located west of Sierra Vista, southeast of Patagonia, and south of Tucson. This section is popular for runners, hikers, long distance backpackers and mountain bikers. 

The trail through Passage 2 traverses the east side of the Canelo Hills, a seldom-traveled range of low mountains that connects the Santa Rita, Patagonia, and Huachuca Mountains. Sitting in the shadow of these larger mountain ranges, the Canelo Hills are often overlooked by outdoor enthusiasts and therefore visited by fewer people. But, as with many of Arizona’s natural wonders, careful examination reveals incredible beauty.

The trail through this section follows a singletrack path that descends through grasslands and evergreen oak woodlands. It rises and falls over rocky terrain, and crosses several arroyos where cairns help guide the way. It features interesting geology, shallow canyons, oak savannas, and mesquite groves, as well as panoramic views of the San Rafael Valley to the southwest and the Huachuca Mountains to the southeast. 

This section is accessible for a day trip or overnight and features developed campsites plus a seasonally operated concession store at the southern end at Parker Canyon Lake.

Backcountry camping is also permitted and campsites with beautiful views are abundant here. Water may be scarce and it is best to stock up at the beginning of the passage (always check the updated water report, see below). Following a wet winter, however, some of the small canyons crossed by the trail may trickle with water, nurturing lush growth and spectacular springtime wildflowers!

DIRECTIONS (northbound)

• Follow AZT signs from Parker Canyon Lake to Parker Canyon. 

• Continue north through the Canelo Hills to the Canelo Pass Trailhead.

WATER

• Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

• Parker Canyon Lake is located .6 miles from the trail via dirt road. 

PARKING INFORMATION

Parker Canyon Lake Trailhead can accommodate automobiles with trailers.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Arizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.org

• Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, 5990 S. Highway 92, Hereford, AZ 85615 (520) 378-0311.

• BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.