Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mountains Travel Guide

4.8 (23)

Discover a historic mountain escape in Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mountains: camping, hiking, birding, and wildflower meadows await!

Escape to Rustler Park, a scenic campground nestled high in the Chiricahua Mountains. Once a hideout for rustlers, this wildflower-filled meadow offers a cool respite, stunning views, and access to hiking trails within the Coronado National Forest.

A brief summary to Rustler Park

42D Forest Rd, San Simon, Arizona, 85632, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rustler Park.

Rustler Park is at a high elevation, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night, even during the summer months.
Bring your binoculars! Rustler Park is an excellent location for birdwatching, with a diverse array of species to observe.
Be aware of potential wildlife encounters, especially black bears. Utilize the provided bear boxes to store food and scented items securely.
Check the Coronado National Forest website for current conditions and closures before your visit, as the park is typically closed during the winter months.

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Explore Rustler Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Rustler Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

To reach Rustler Park from Portal, Arizona, head west on Portal Road, which becomes Forest Road 42. Continue on FR42 for approximately 13 miles to Onion Saddle. From Onion Saddle, turn south onto Forest Road 42D and drive about 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground. Note that FR42 and FR42D are gravel roads, and while suitable for most passenger vehicles, high-clearance vehicles are recommended. These roads are not plowed in winter and may be closed due to snow. There is a day-use fee of $8 per vehicle. Camping is $15 per night for a single site. You can purchase a pass online or on-site with cash or check.

Discover more about Rustler Park

Rustler Park Campground, cradled high in the Chiricahua Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intriguing history. At an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet, the park is a wildflower-carpeted meadow rimmed with Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, providing a cool mountain escape from the desert below.Originally, the area served as a hideout for cattle rustlers who concealed stolen livestock while altering their brands. Today, remnants of an old Boy Scout camp, including a chapel built in 1962, can still be found. The campground itself is thoughtfully designed with campsites scattered along access roads to protect the delicate meadow ecosystem. Following the Horseshoe II fire in 2011, the campground was rebuilt, and some campsites now feature canopies for added shade.Rustler Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Birdwatching is a popular activity, with opportunities to spot a variety of species. Larger animals, including black bears, are also frequently seen, so bear boxes are provided for safe food storage. Several trails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness, inviting exploration of the surrounding mountains. The Crest Trail #270 is accessible from a trailhead in the campground.Note that Rustler Park is typically closed from October to April due to winter weather.