Sunnyside Canyon Trail #117

At the turn of the century, Sunnyside Canyon was filled with the hustle and bustle of a couple of copper mines, a sawmill and a busy community. Now, it is a quiet haven for bird- watchers and nature lovers. The trail that leads into this mountain valley, which was once called Glance Canyon, follows what remains of an old wagon road. The road provided access to the community of Sunnyside as well as the Copper Glance and Eureka mines. Sycamores and ponderosa pines shade this easy-going pathway as it wanders up-canyon. Trailside riparian habitat, nourished by the seasonal flow of the canyon’s intermittent stream, provides a home and foraging area for a variety of colorful songbirds and other wildlife. At several points along the trail, evidence can be seen of the mines and dwellings that existed here when as many as 80 people called this pleasant area home.

Watchable wildlife and historic ambience make the lower reaches of the Sunnyside Canyon Trail an excellent place for a leisurely outing. For those who enjoy more of a strenuous outing, it continues on to high vistas and connections with other trails that wander deeper into the backcountry.

As the trail nears the head of Sunnyside Canyon, it climbs a series of switchbacks that eventually take it to a junction with the Crest Trail #103 high in the Huachucas. Views along this stretch of the route are stunning and reach well into Mexico. After enjoying the panorama you can either head back the way you came or set out on a longer trip along the Crest Trail and any of its numerous connectors.

Attractions:

• Riparian area
• Watchable wildlife
• Historic mining area
• Access to Huachuca Crest
• Arizona Trail segment