By:
Submission
Rustler Park is a wildflower-carpeted meadow high in the Chiricahuas. Around the turn of the century, rustlers concealed stolen stock there while altered brands healed and pursuit cooled. Today, the meadow provides a cool mountain respite from the deserts below. Rimmed with Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, the meadow is sprinkled with seasonal wildflowers. Campsites at Rustler Park are scattered along access roads that have been purposefully kept out of the meadow to avoid damaging fragile plants and soils. Since the Horseshoe II fire in 2011, the campground has been rebuilt and some campsites now have canopies to give visitors shade. Rustler Park is an excellent place to pursue birdwatching. Larger animals, including black bear, are frequently spotted here, too. Trails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness and to other places of interest. Note: Black bears in area. Use Bear boxes provided.
From Douglas, take US 80 two miles west to US 191. Go north on US 19135 miles to Sunizona. Take AZ 181 east, then north, for approximately 28 miles (stay on paved road) to FR 42. Continue up FR 42 (Pinery Canyon) 12 miles to Forest Road 42D. Turn right at Onion Saddle and drive approximately 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground.
Great starting point to enter Chiricahua wilderness without having to climb up the mountain. Trails are a overgrown, but that's what makes these mountains so sought after - their exclusiveness to those daring to get lost and discover adventures not found on Instagram.
These campsites are also excellent for picnicking and relaxing the day away in the cool temperatures. Do try and come early - as clouds can start to roll in the mid afternoon during monsoon season.
My son and I drove up to Rustler Park to access the Crest Trail Loop. The drive up on the 15 mile gravel/dirt road was beautiful to say the least. There are pit toilets at the trailhead which is really convenient. The trail itself is really cool. Great views on both sides of the mountain. It's not really tough at all except for one small area when hiking clockwise around the loop at the very end before meeting up with the trail leading back to Rustler Park.
Beautiful high altitude camp ground. Nowhere to pitch a tent- I guess they thought you were just going to picnic. We found a gentle slope and slid to the corner of the tent overnight. Lots of dead wood on the ground. Great for birds, and there are some nice hiking trails.
Worth the drive over the rough narrow gravel road from Portal, AZ (we handled it with a minivan, but it was a little sketchy in a few places). Easy access to the Chiricahua Crest Trail (see photos).
Great mountaintop park. Wonderful views. Covered picnic areas, clean restroom.
