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The hike to Silver Peak in the eastern Chiracahuas is one of the premier hikes out of the Cave Creek Canyon/Portal region. The distance is 9 miles round-trip. Starting from the trailhead at 4,960', Dawn, Jeff and Geno climbed 3,015' to the summit at nearly 8,000'. Knock-your-socks-off 360-degree panoramic views awaited us at the top. There are great views all along the way as the trail switchbacks up to the summit. A foundation of a former fire lookout sits atop Silver Peak. |
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| A view of Silver Peak from its north side | |
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| Sandstone hoodoos hover over the trail at the beginning | |
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| First sign of the Nippers, a unique double-pointed peak, far off on the horizon | A fine trail traverses the south-facing slope of the peak |
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| A wide variety of agaves, yucca and cacti grow on these slopes | |
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| Concrete steps make it easier to climb the final 100' to the summit | |
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| Fine views of New Mexico looking northeast from the top of Silver Peak | |
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| Looks like someone tried to pry off the survey marker | What appears to be a cistern for the fire lookout |
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| Looking north toward the Nippers, elevation 7,523' | |
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| Looking east toward the Peloncillo Range and state of New Mexico | |
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| Elena, a biologist from Germany, is studying at the nearby SW Research Station | Dawn's dogs were barking |
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| Happy hikers at the top | |
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| Looking south toward Portal, 3,000' below on the valley floor, and Mexico on the horizon | |
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| Ol' Stoneface | Cathedral Rock rises near the end of the trail |
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