Arcadia Trail

Go to navigation
Go to footer
This information is a public record of the 1979 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Arcadia Trail

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    6 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

Because of the notable views it offers, Arcadia Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail, placing it among the most outstanding trails in the nation.

  • Coronado National Forest. Photo by USFS.
  • Coronado National Forest. Photo by USFS.
 Upload a Photo

Location: In Coronado National Forest, SW of Safford, accessed at Shannon and Upper Arcadia campgrounds.

  • States: Arizona

Most people travel this popular pathway from Shannon Campground to Arcadia because it's mostly downhill in that direction. The course the trail follows winds in and out of stands of trees that are made up mostly of Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, and quaking aspen on the upper end changing gradually to ponderosa pine and silverleaf oak on more southern-facing slopes as the trail nears Arcadia Campground. Near the upper trailhead there is an area that has been logged and remains relatively open where you may find some tasty wild raspberries if you come in late summer.

Beyond a series of switchbacks at about a mile from the trailhead, Heliograph Trail #328A climbs to the top of Heliograph Peak where the rugged landscape of southeastern Arizona forms a sweeping, unbroken panorama. Many who use this trail take this spur and follow the Heliograph Road back to Shannon Camp for a loop of about four miles. As the trail drops toward Arcadia it provides good views of distant peaks and nearby canyons. Just above Arcadia Campground, the trail crosses a small drainage shaded by riparian species such as box elder and bigtooth maple. There are usually some colorful wildflowers here as well. Watch for black bears and white-tailed deer along the trail and for Aberts squirrels scurrying among the trees.

Accessibility Information

No text provided.

Reviews

No reviews.

 Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Hiking/Walking

Public Contact

Coronado National Forest
300 West Congress St., 6th Floor
Tuscon, AZ 85701
www.fs.usda.gov/coronado

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): --
  • Elevation (high): --
  • Elevation (cumulative): --

  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): --
  • Surfaces (additional): --

  • Tread Width (average): 0"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --

  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --

  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Nov 26, 1979
Suggest an Edit  
Top