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Recreation Planning in the Sky Islands
The Coronado National Forest spans sixteen scattered mountain ranges or "sky islands" that rise dramatically from the desert floor. Recreation opportunities range from wilderness backpacking to lakeside picnicking. The Forest hosts over 2.3 million visits each year.
The Coronado National Forest works to provide outstanding recreation experiences while balancing the multiple-use values of the land. In this interactive map, we ask for your input about selected areas around the Forest: Pena Blanca Lake, the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise Stronghold, Cave Creek Canyon, and Mount Graham/Swift Highway. How can we improve or maintain recreation experiences in these places? We want to hear your perspective on the successes, concerns, and opportunities for each distinctive place.
You shared and we listened! Click on the link to view the 2024 Future of Recreation in the Sky Islands Engagement Report.
View the Interactive StoryMap
- Note: This site is best experienced in a Firefox or Chrome browser.
- Visit the website directly: View Map
Areas Under Evaluation
Cochise Stronghold, Douglas Ranger District
Granite domes, stunning trails, and ample camping opportunities make this rocky wonderland on the Douglas Ranger District, rich with history, a fascinating day or overnight recreation destination. The eastern side offers developed camping and two rentable cabins, while the less developed west side offers dispersed opportunities. Both are renowned with rock climbers.
Northern Chiricahua Mountains, Douglas Ranger District
The colorful cliffs and cool creek of the majestic Cave Creek Canyon, nestled at 5,000 feet on the eastern slopes of the Chiricahua Mountains, invite you to experience the amazing beauty and biological diversity any time of year. Campgrounds, a visitor center, trails, and rentable cabins are highlights. FS42 provides access to the high country including Rustler Park Campground as well as popular dispersed camping spots in Pinery Canyon.
Pena Blanca Lake, Nogales Ranger District
This medium-sized lake fills nearly 50 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon in the foothills of the Atascosa and Pajarito Mountains and is located in the Nogales Ranger District. It is surrounded by grassy, oak-dotted hills. The recreation area offers a boat launch, floating fishing docks, a small campground, and picnic areas.
Mount Graham and the Pinaleño Mountains, Safford Ranger District
The Swift Trail leads up the slopes of the Pinaleño Mountains to the forested high country in the Gila Valley’s backyard, while Highway 266 and other routes to lead to low deserts and woodlands. Mount Graham is the highest of the Sky Islands on the Coronado; it is part of the Safford Ranger District.
Huachuca Mountains, Sierra Vista Ranger District
Rising abruptly above Sierra Vista, these steep forested mountains offer several canyons each with a distinct character. Carr Canyon offers picnic sites and high elevation camping, while Brown Canyon features an historic ranch. Others including Miller, Ash and Hunter are outstanding entry points for the Miller Peak Wilderness.
