Can You Hike two 9K'+ Peaks in One Day?
Carr (9230') and Miller (9465') in the Huachuca Mountains
Apparently I can't (I only made one peak). But my partner Kelly is a certified bad ass, so of course she made it to the top of the two highest peaks in the Huachuca Mountains in a single day (May 14th 2023).
About this Hike:
There are at least four ways to approach Miller Peak. The one we chose (via the Old Sawmill Spring trail, from the Reef Campground), is probably the “easiest” and had the added benefit of going right past Carr Peak … providing the opportunity for two peaks in one day.
Trails: Old Sawmill Springs, to Carr Peak, to Crest Trail, to Miller Peak Spur Trail
From Leonard Taylor’s Trails of the Huachucas book. Difficulty: Overall moderate, but the spur trails to the peaks are obviously pretty steep in places.
Distance: about 6.8 miles each way (13.7 mile roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 2,957 feet
Estimated Time: plan for 6-9 hours at least
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed, but we did not bring Luna on this hike
Parking Fee: Parking at the trailhead (left from the road) is free. But $8 if you park at the campground (right from the road).
The Morning Of the 2nd Attempt:
This was actually our second attempt to do this hike. We tried to go the first time in the beginning of April, but there was still a little too much snow on the trail (especially in the shaded sections). By the time we went back in the middle of May it was perfect light jacket hiking weather.
You start out at 7200’ feet above sea level, so it’s cool in the spring and fall even before you get to the peaks. The beginning of the trail is just a gravel path lined by some nice berry bushes. It’s doesn’t look very daunting, but you’ll gain about 400’ of elevation in just over 3/4 of a mile before you intersect with Carr Peak trail.
As I said above, this morning in May was actually our second attempt. About half way up Carr Peak trail, you go through this nice little section of Aspen trees. But as you can see in the pictures below, 6 weeks or so can make a huge difference in the spring. The first time we were out there in the beginning of April, it was legitimately scary slippery in a few spots. By the middle of May though, it was lush and green, and pretty. But in April, the snow through the aspens was just a harbinger of what was up ahead. Pretty sure it was at this point that we decided Miller Peak was not going to happen that day, so we would just both try for Carr (and we did).
At this point in the hike I was still mostly keeping up with Kelly. But she had a goal of making both peak in a single day. Meanwhile, I was content to slowly make my way up the mountain taking pictures along the way. A couple of years ago when I first moved back to Arizona we would try to stay together on these hikes. But we soon arrived at the conclusion she had more drive and ambition (as well as 10 less years on her knees and back) than I do when it comes to hiking up mountains. We now actually have a set of walkie-talkies so that we can still communicate when we’re separated (more on that below)
As I said, this hike has a few steep sections at the beginning, and especially near each of the peaks. But in between Carr Peak and the Crest Trail, there is a nice relatively flat couple of miles. Kelly had already kind of left me in the dust by the time I got to that respite in the second hike. But it was okay, she had a goal, and I had some spectacular views of the now much greener Miller Peak.

Kelly had decided that she was going to do Miller Peak first, then climb Carr on our way back. I myself had a goal of making it to Crest Trail, where I would hang out and wait for Kelly to return. I in fact made that goal, and had a nice lunch while she tackled the peak. Interestingly, there’s pretty cell service at the top of Crest Trail, and it’s spotty and sometimes non-existent in the canyons and the trails on the way up.
When I first got to the junction of Carr Peak and Crest trails, I briefly entertained the idea of trying to follow Kelly and get as close to Miller Peak as I could. But as you can see in the picture above, the trail actually goes downhill for a ways on Crest trail as you head towards Miller Peak. Since at this point, I had already reached my personal goal, and since I know that a downhill trail means and uphill section on the way back, I decided to take a pass.
Kelly on the other hand was undaunted …
By the time we got back to the car later that afternoon, she had hiked almost 14 miles, and we’d been on the trail nearly 8 hours!
Things You need to know:
The day had actually started almost an hour before we arrived at the trailhead, as we had to drive up Carr Canyon road. After you go past the Carr House, this is an at times single lane mountain switchback road. It’s definitely not the worst road in this area, and even a sedan can make to the top, but you’ll definitely feel more confident in a Jeep or Truck.
Trail Conditions: this trail is well marked and easy to follow, with plenty of wooden trail signs showing both direction and distance.
Best Time to Go: This is a hike that you’ll want to do in either the spring (April - June), or the Fall (October - December). Most years there’s too much snow in the winter. Then during the summer monsoon, this would not be a good place to get caught in a thunderstorm. (note: you have to be aware of the thunderstorm possiblity even in the spring. We were actually a little worried near the end of our May hike)
Essential Gear: This really isn’t different from pretty much any other mountain hike. You’ll want good shoes and socks, layered clothes, and more water than you think you’ll probably need. We had our 2.5 liter camelbaks, plus extra 42oz bottles. You don’t really need hiking poles, but you might want them, especially coming down from the peaks.
Did I miss anything?
Holy Cow, We Live Here!
Most people never get to the top of a single mountain peak in their lives. But those of us who live in this part of southeast Arizona are lucky enough to have access to 5 or 6 that we can get to even if we’re just in moderately decent shape. Plus, as we’ve just shown here, if you’re a badass you can do two (or even three) peaks in one day!
Kelly's video from the top of her 2nd peak of the day:
So When Can We Expect To See You?
Seriously, if you love to hike, you need to plan a trip to southeast Arizona and experience the Huachuca Mountains for yourself.
Drop us a note, maybe we’ll join you!
Todd