Campground Overview:
Herb Martyr Campground is a small stream-side dispersed campground located on the banks of Cave Creek at the end of the road that leads into Cave Creek Canyon on the Coronado National Forest. Nearby is a small dam built in 1935 (that has since filled in with sediment and debris). During construction of the dam, a worker named Herb Martyr was killed, hence the name of the dam and campground.
This area also serves as a trailhead for the Herb Martyr Trail and the Ash Spring Trail. The latter trail provides an excellent opportunity for a day hike loop that includes a couple of pleasant riparian areas, an old homestead site, and great views of Winn Falls (when it’s running). If you’ve got more time and energy, the Herb Martyr Trail leads to the Snowshed Trail and eventually to the Crest Trail.
Campsites:
Herb Martyr Campground has been made a dispersed camping site recently, so no vehicles are allowed in the campground proper. Visitors may park above the campground and carry their camping gear in. There are no garbage cans, so visitors must pack out all trash. All sites are sheltered in the shade of oaks and other streamside trees. The upper site is on the banks of the stream, while the lower sites are on a bench above Cave Creek, which offers a good view of the waterfall formed by Herb Martyr Dam and some smaller natural cascades below.
Bear Warning: To avoid putting a bear’s life in danger and risking the loss of some of your own property, remember to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious and powerful animals.
180 miles east of Tucson. From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (you will cross the New Mexico border to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) on US 80 and drive 28 miles to Portal Rd. Take a right and drive through Portal, AZ continue on FR 42, approximately 7 miles. After driving a few miles pass Sunny Flat Campground, FR 42 will split, turn right and continue to campsite at the end of the road. The majority of the roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles, the forest road will eventually turn into a dirt road.
While the majority of the forest roads in the area are well maintained and used frequently, during snow or heavy rain, a high clearance vehicle may be required. Always use common sense and be prepared.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Sierra Vista |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Herb Martyr Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Chiricahua Mountains and Cave Creek Canyon
Nestled in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona, 150 miles east of Tucson, and 50 miles north of Douglas, is Cave Creek Canyon. A hidden gem with spectacular cliffs, flowing streams and abundant wildlife. Many visitors have referred to Cave Creek Canyon as “Arizona’s Yosemite.”
The Chiricahua Mountains were formed by volcanic eruptions spanning 35 to 25 million years ago. The last major eruption, 27 million years ago, created the Turkey Creek Caldera and laid down 2,000 feet (610 m) of volcanic ash which fused into welded Rhyolite tuff. Subsequent erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires and stone columns that rise up out of the forest.
Cave Creek Canyon is one of Conservation International’s 34 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. It provides habitat for approximately 370 species of birds, 170 species of butterflies, hundreds of plant species and over 70 species of mammals including ocelots, collared peccaries, mountain lions, coatis, black bears, ringtails, and white-tailed deer.
The earliest evidence of human activity in the vicinity are Clovis archeological sites, such as the Double Adobe Site in the Whitewater Draw tributary of Rucker Creek north of Douglas. Subsequently the Cochise, another pre-ceramic based culture spanning 3000 – 200 BCE, was defined from sites around the Chiricahua Mountains, including Cave Creek Canyon. Following the transition to ceramics, diagnostic ceramics characteristic of Mogollon culture and its local variants, the Mimbres culture, are found spanning the period from 150 BCE – 1450. The influx of other indigenous peoples, such as the Chiricahua Apaches, including the leaders Cochise and Geronimo, occupied the area until forced removal in the late 19th century.
Hiking the Chiricahua Mountains
The best way to get in touch with the canyon is on foot. The Chiricahua Mountains contain numerous trails of all lengths and varying degrees of difficulty. When choosing a trail, an important consideration is the temperature and season in which you will be hiking. In winter, hikes in the canyon bottom and up to ~7,000 feet are pleasant. Above 7,000 you might encounter snow and it may not be possible to drive to trailheads at high elevation. In summer, hikes in the high country are delightful and the temperatures are cooler than in the canyon floor. In all seasons, be sure to carry adequate water and clothing, as well as emergency supplies (high energy food, first aid kit, etc). Some of the most popular trails include Cave Creek Nature Trail, Ash Spring Trail #247A, Silver Peak Trail #280, and the Herb Martyr Trail to Pine Park.
For more information Friends of Cave Creek Canyon and Chiricahua Mountains Hiking Trails are great resources for the area.
Chiricahua National Monument is truly one of the National Park Service’s hidden gems. If you are willing to drive the 37 miles to the park from the interstate, you will be surprised to discover a mountain wonderland of trees, charismatic wildlife, and amazing balanced rocks and towering pinnacles that make this place so awe-inspiring. Come explore, whether on foot on the miles of hiking trails or by vehicle along the scenic drive. The monument was established on April 18, 1924, to protect its extensive hoodoos and balancing rocks. The Faraway Ranch, which was owned at one time by Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, is also preserved within the monument.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
