Overview

The Sky Islands Traverse is one of the Southwest's most challenging and remote long-distance routes. Created in 2010 by Brett Tucker (known for the Grand Enchantment Trail), this 520-mile spiral connects ten isolated mountain ranges rising from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts in southeastern Arizona. Starting at Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains, the route weaves through the Huachuca, Santa Rita, Rincon, Santa Catalina, Galiuro, Santa Teresa, Pinaleno, Dos Cabezas, and Chiricahua ranges.

This is a route, not a trail—expect substantial off-trail travel, bushwhacking, navigation challenges, and use of old roads alongside established trails. Very few hikers have completed the traverse. Recent wildfires (including the massive Horseshoe Two Fire) and subsequent flooding have reclaimed many miles of trail, making current conditions exponentially more challenging than the original route. The Sky Islands Traverse is recommended only for highly experienced backpackers with strong navigation skills, excellent physical conditioning, and comfort in remote, rugged terrain.

The elevation gain totals approximately 111,200 feet as you climb repeatedly from desert basins (around 3,500 feet) to mountain peaks exceeding 9,000 feet, passing through five distinct life zones from cactus desert to alpine forest.

Permits & Regulations

No wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in Coronado National Forest wilderness areas or dispersed camping zones, which encompass most of the route. The forest operates on a 14-day stay limit per 60-day period at any single location. All dispersed campsites are first-come, first-served with no fees.

Some route segments cross private land—Brett Tucker's original route notes indicate where permissions may be needed. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; campfires may be prohibited during high fire danger (typically May-June, the arid foresummer before monsoons arrive). Check current restrictions at https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Fireworks are prohibited year-round. When allowed, campfires must be fully extinguished, built in cleared areas, and constantly attended.

Bear canisters are not required, though black bears, mountain lions, and coatis inhabit these ranges. Some developed campgrounds offer bear boxes. Large commercial or non-commercial groups require special use permits from local ranger districts.

Best Season

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are optimal. Spring offers desert wildflower displays after wet winters—Mexican poppies, lupine, and desert marigolds blanket lower elevations, while higher mountains burst with coral bells and Chiricahua vervain. Fall brings golden cottonwoods along creek corridors and brilliant blue skies contrasting with bronze grasslands.

Summer (June-August) is brutally hot in desert basins, with temperatures exceeding 100°F before monsoons arrive in early July. If hiking summer sections, plan to be in the highest ranges (Pinalenos, Chiricahuas) during peak heat. Monsoon thunderstorms (July-September) bring afternoon lightning danger on exposed ridges and flash flood risk in canyons, but also reliable water.

Winter is possible in lower elevations but expect snow at higher elevations—the Pinalenos' alpine zones may hold snow into May. Spring water is most reliable after winter precipitation; summer monsoons replenish sources but create afternoon lightning hazards.

Water & Resupply

Water sources are plentiful compared to many desert routes, but planning is critical. Maximum reported water carries reached 3 gallons on two occasions. The San Pedro River corridor provides flowing water (though some hikers treat it; cattle tanks may be encountered). Springs in mountain ranges are generally reliable after winter rains, but many dry by late spring before monsoons. Brett Tucker compiled detailed water source data in his GPS route files.

Resupply options are extremely limited with minimal services except Patagonia:

Patagonia (approximately mile 0-119): Full-service small town with grocery stores (Patagonia Market, Red Mountain Foods), restaurants, lodging, and post office. TerraSol offers hostel-style camping with showers.

Summerhaven (approximately mile 119-246): Tiny mountaintop village atop Mount Lemmon. Post office and Mt. Lemmon General Store (surprisingly well-stocked). All businesses close by 4-5pm; show up on weekdays. No overnight accommodations.

Klondyke (approximately mile 246-322): Very limited services. Package delivery requires specific instructions; essentially no amenities.

Bowie (approximately mile 322-436): Post office, mini-mart, and two gas stations. Requires 9-mile hike or hitchhike from route.

Portal (approximately mile 436-520): Cave Creek Ranch offers cottages with kitchens, plus a cafe. Spectacular setting in Cave Creek Canyon, popular with birders. No cell service; limited WiFi near office.

Mail drops work best at Patagonia and Portal. Carry 7-10 days of food between resupply points.

Hazards & Challenges

Fire Damage & Route Conditions: The Horseshoe Two Fire burned 75% of the Chiricahua range at moderate to high severity, followed by severe monsoon erosion and flooding. Many trail sections have been reclaimed by vegetation or washed out. From Summerhaven onward, expect increasingly remote, rugged, and undefined terrain. The original route information website has gone on hiatus due to extensive fire and flood damage rendering the route far more challenging than initially designed.

Navigation: This is the primary challenge. Extensive off-trail sections, faint or non-existent trails, and post-fire route changes demand expert map and compass skills plus GPS capability. Hikers report using Brett Tucker's detailed GPS files, though conditions have changed significantly since 2010.

Lightning: Monsoon thunderstorms (July-September) bring daily afternoon lightning danger. Arizona ranks high nationally for lightning deaths. Avoid exposed ridgelines and summits during storms; descend to lower elevations at first sign of buildups. Lightning can strike 5-10 miles from visible storms.

Wildlife: Western diamondback rattlesnakes are common in lower elevations and active during warmer months. Black bears, mountain lions, and coatis inhabit mountain ranges. The New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake (endangered) lives in higher elevations.

Heat & Dehydration: Desert basin crossings can exceed 100°F. Combined with long water carries and high elevation gains, heat exhaustion is a serious risk, especially pre-monsoon (May-June).

River Crossings: The San Pedro River flows through desert valleys—generally shallow but verify flow conditions. Post-monsoon crossings can be swift.

Getting There

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the nearest major airport, approximately 75 miles west of the typical eastern starting point (Cochise Stronghold). Seven rental car companies operate on-site. Most hikers rent vehicles to shuttle themselves between trailheads or to reach the start.

Cochise Stronghold Trailhead (Eastern Start): From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191 south. Drive 18 miles to Ironwood Road, turn right (west), and continue 9 miles to Cochise Stronghold Campground. The final 3.8 miles are maintained dirt road passable to most passenger cars. Day-use parking fee required ($8 if no recreation pass). Trailhead parking is near the campground bathrooms.

Portal (Chiricahua Terminus): Cave Creek Canyon and Portal are reached via US 80. Driving from Tucson takes 2.5-3 hours. From Portal to Cochise Stronghold is close to 3 hours—many hikers shuttle their own vehicles before starting.

No commercial shuttle services are specifically advertised for this route, likely due to limited demand and route obscurity. Arrange private shuttles from Tucson or self-shuttle with two vehicles.

Tips

Download Brett Tucker's GPS data before departing; cell service is non-existent on most of the route. Paper maps are essential backup—bring USFS Coronado National Forest maps and relevant USGS 7.5' quads.

Plan shorter daily mileage than you'd attempt on established trails. Bushwhacking, navigation stops, and route-finding significantly slow progress. Most successful hikers averaged 25-35 miles per day but reported this required strong fitness and long days.

Treat the San Pedro River water and cattle tank water. Higher elevation springs are generally cleaner but always filter or treat.

Seasonal timing is crucial: avoid May-June (extreme heat, high fire danger, dry conditions) unless you're experienced in desert travel. Spring (March-April) offers moderate temperatures and decent water. Fall (September-October) post-monsoon provides renewed water sources and cooler weather, though afternoon thunderstorms continue into September.

Carry communication devices (satellite messenger/PLB). This route's remoteness and navigation challenges increase emergency response times significantly.

Leave detailed itinerary with someone at home including expected check-in dates at resupply points. The long stretches between towns and remote terrain mean delays can go unnoticed.

Visit the Coronado National Forest website before departure to check fire restrictions, closures, and alerts specific to the districts you'll traverse (Safford, Santa Catalina, Nogales, Sierra Vista, Douglas districts).

Plan Your Trip

Select Your Route