Joe's Canyon Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

The Joe's Canyon Trail provides sweeping views of the grasslands in Arizona and Mexico and the surrounding mountains. The trail can be accessed by parking at the visitor center and climbing up to Montezuma Pass. However, a much easier option would be to drive up to or take the shuttle to Montezuma Pass and run down to the visitor center.

From Montezuma Pass, run to the top of the parking lot and follow the trail as it leads toward Coronado Peak. The Joe's Canyon Trail breaks off to the left and follows a singletrack dirt trail that hugs the hillside in the shade of Coronado Peak. At roughly 0.4 miles, the trail begins to drop down the ridge line to where it comes to the junction with the Yaqui Ridge Trail at 0.8 miles.

From here, the views of the San Pedro River Valley stretch out before you. You can see the Huachuca Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. Looking into Mexico, you can see the grass plains and mountains in the distance that are common to Sonora, Mexico. Continuing straight ahead, the trail levels out until about the 1.5-mile mark, when the trail begins to drop more steeply along the hillside.

Using several sets of switchbacks, the trail begins its 1000 foot descent over the last mile of the trail. The trail crosses several washes during the descent, and you can enjoy the views of the hills as they begin to rise above you. At the end of the trail, you arrive at the Montezuma Canyon Road. If take a right at the road, you'll arrive at the visitor center in roughly 500 feet. If you parked your car at Montezuma Pass, you can either try to catch a ride back to the top, or turn around and climb back up the hillside you just descended to your car.

This trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and wear a hat to help cope with the sun. It's best to run in the cool of the day when temperatures are less extreme.

Cacti, cholla, agave, and other desert plants line the trail.