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CASA GRANDE MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Casa Grande
 |
| The Ridge Trail |
Casa Grande Mountain Park
resides in the desert space between a world of truck stops and
freeways and valleys of checkerboard farmlands. Here, mornings break
to the hum of traffic, blaring train horns and veils of mist drifting
off crops. Despite its proximity to the busy Interstate 10/8
interchange, the park has quality hiking, especially at its
southern end where the din of industry is absorbed in cholla-fleeced
foothills and stony clefts.
The 1,025-acre park has more
than 18 miles of non-motorized use trails. The system is made up of
stacked loops with varying levels of difficulty anchored by the
4.86-mile Ridge Trail that traces the mountain's eastern flank. Although
the Ridge Trail is well-signed, some of the others are not, but
finding your way around isn't too tough. Also, because wildcat
social trails muddle the terrain, it's smart to download the park map
before heading out. Official trails are marked by metal posts with
arrows that use standard alpine color codes (black for difficult,
blue for moderate, green for easy). Follow the posts to stay on
track.
Two trailheads offer distinctly different experiences. At the
north end, the Peart Trailhead appeals to those looking for easy,
close-to-town hiking, while the Arica Trailhead provides access to
the park's midsection and more difficult options.
While on the trail, scan the
horizon for the profile of Picacho Peak and the jagged silhouette of
the Sawtooth Mountains. Underfoot, look for the Arizona Fishhook
Pincushion cactus that appears to grows out of solid rock in
calf-high clusters blooming pink in spring before producing
cherry-red fruits that linger through winter.
LENGTH: 18.29 miles
RATING: easy to difficult
ELEVATION: 1,500' - 2,350'
FACILITIES: porta potty, interpretive
sign, benches, trash can
GETTING THERE:
Peart Trailhead:
From Interstate 10 in Casa Grande, take
the Jimmie Kerr Blvd. exit 198 (State Route 84) and travel 2.6 miles
west to Peart Road. Turn left (south) and continue 1.7 miles to where
a "hiker" sign points to a dirt road on the left. Follow
this sedan-friendly road 0.4 mile to the trailhead.
Arica Trailhead:
From Interstate 10 in Casa Grande, take
the Sunland Gin Road exit 200 and head 0.1 mile south to Arica Road
(just past the Loves truck stop). Turn right and continue 1.5 mile to
the trailhead. The last half-mile is on rough dirt but is passable by
sedan.
INFO & MAPS:
City of Casa Grande:
MAP: http://casagrandeaz.gov/rec/files/2013/06/CG_Mountain_Trails_8_x_11.pdf
MAP: http://casagrandeaz.gov/rec/files/2013/06/CG_Mountain_Trails_8_x_11.pdf
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