Distance: 7.8 miles, clockwise
Elevation: 5143' to 6056'; gain 1197.' All the gain is from the 3mile to 5.16 mile mark
I had always wanted to hike this loop. This section is the newer extension of the Perimeter trail in the Huachuca mountains, starting at Lower Miller Canyon and hiking south to Hunter Canyon. It's just under eight miles and most of the elevation is the connector trail between Hunter and Miller Canyons.
I met Bill shortly after 5am in the Lower Miller Canyon parking lot. I was seven minutes late but was ready to go as soon as I got out of my Honda. I brought Hansel along, who seems to enjoy Bill's company.
The first three miles going south were breezy and cool. There are three drainages that would have running water in the monsoon, but it was dry. Once we got to Hunter canyon, the heat began. The first mile is under the canopies of emory oaks, but once we got to the official trailhead, the exposure began.
We took a short break by the mine. The trail to that mine is now "closed" with branches, but Bill went to look at the shaft anyway while I gave Hansel some water. I had to rest here because shortly after the mine the trail takes a steep ascent. It leaves the shade and is exposed until the trail reaches the saddle. It's about a half mile but feels longer than that. Views to the south, however, are expansive.
The first of several hikers passed us by, a shirtless trail runner. Once back on the Miller Creek trail we met a few mountain bikers. By now Hansel was looking for water. He found a small pool of stagnant water another half mile downhill. This was the only water along the entire loop.
He was now back onleash for the rest of the hike as we passed a few more people hiking uphill.
Once back at the car, Hansel took a back seat and rested for the rest of the drive home. He limped a bit once home, but then rested the rest of the day.
I would love to do this trail again after some heavy rain. Flora is suffering from drought and many of the trees were dropping their leaves.