Raspberry Ridge Trail #228

Access

The Raspberry Ridge Trail can be accessed from two locations.

The lower elevation southern terminus can be accessed from Rucker Forest Camp at the end of Rucker Canyon Road, via a short stretch of the Rucker Trail. The Rucker Trail has two trailheads in close proximity: the first is a small parking area on the north side of the road just before the campground, while the other begins from the north edge of the turnaround loop in the campground proper. Trailhead parking here is $10 per day. Continue up the Rucker Trail a short distance, passing through the first pedestrian gate. The signed junction with the Raspberry Ridge Trail is 40 feet beyond, heading left. (31.78501, -109.30234)

The higher elevation northern terminus is a short distance north-northeast of Raspberry Peak, along the Crest Trail between Paint Rock and its western terminus below Monte Vista Peak. This junction is signed. (31.82551, -109.30293)

Trail Description

From a signed junction along the Rucker Trail, the Raspberry Ridge Trail heads north into Bear Canyon. The trail is initially fairly visible, likely due to its close proximity to Rucker Forest Camp, but as it penetrates deeper into the canyon and parallels the creek (usually dry), it becomes much more faint. You should be able to generally follow it, but there may be points where it disappears for a while. Watch for rock cairns at creek crossings to guide your way, but if you do ever lose the trail, just keep heading up the creek until you pick it up again. Bear Canyon, and the trail, angle gradually to the northeast, and after 1.55 miles of sticking alongside the creek, the trail swings sharply to the right and begins to climb. The first switchback occurs 400 feet later and the next 0.8 miles of steep ascent to Raspberry Saddle contains about 30 more. If you're lucky enough to visit during wildflower season, you may have a beautiful sight on the cliffs opposite you to the southwest as you stop frequently to catch your breath.

While the trail briefly levels out at Raspberry Saddle, it begins climbing almost immediately again, this time without the aid of switchbacks. Heading northwest along Raspberry Ridge through rough, rocky terrain, you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views of upper Rucker Canyon deep below as it cuts deep into the range, all the way to the base of Chiricahua Peak. A little over half a mile beyond Raspberry Saddle you'll come to the first of two final switchbacks, the second only 200 feet later, and the stretch between the two so steep you may wonder why more switchbacks weren't utilized. After the final switchback, the trail levels out significantly and skirts around the north edge of a ridge, making a wide bend to the left and then to the right. This area was heavily burned but can be a giant expanse of yellow wildflowers if visited at the right time after the monsoon season. Four tenths of a mile beyond the last switchback, the trail can disappear somewhat under overgrown wildflowers. Head north-northwest along Raspberry Ridge if it disappears and you should pick it up again eventually.

In another half a mile its position becomes better defined again and it spends the final half a mile along the eastern slope of a ridge, staying east of Raspberry Peak, before connecting to the Crest Trail. The final stretch can have aspen saplings growing in the trail sometimes. The signs at the junction have burned and if the area is overgrown it can be hard to see. The metal bearproofing bands from the signs are lying on the ground nearby and may help pinpoint the junction. Monte Vista Peak lies to the left and Chiricahua Peak to the right.

Map

Last updated May 3, 2017.