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BURSERA TRAIL
South Mountain Park,
Phoenix
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| View of the Sierra Estrella Mountains |
Twisted in organic, balletic form and smelling like perfume, Bursera microphylla---better
known as the Elephant Tree—lives on the slopes of South Mountain Park. Brush up
against one of these squat, red-green-barked trees with swollen, contorted pachyderm-like
trunks and a pungent aroma of camphor will waif from its tiny leaves. Related to the plants that produce
frankincense and myrrh, sap from the elephant tree also can be dried and burned
as incense. But, don't rush out with a collection bucket—the trees are a
protected species in Arizona.
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| Elephant Tree |
To get an up close look at this plant that grows only in the
Sonoran Desert of Arizona and parts of southern California and northwestern
Mexico, just follow the Bursera Trail which was completed in 2011. The route is
simple-to-follow and connects with both the National and Bajada Trails for
those who want to add mileage to their hike. Also, because it's wide and not
too steep, the route is very popular with mountain bikers. One bit of
advise—although the elevation change for the hike is only 653 feet—you’ll do it
twice for an out-and-back-hike.
LENGTH: 2.9 miles
one-way (6.68 miles roundtrip including access trail)
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1,235'
– 1,888'
BEST SEASON: October -April
FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 south/east (Tucson) to
Pecos Road exit 161. Turn right and continue 7.2 miles to 17th Avenue. Turn right again and continue 0.7 mile
to Chandler Blvd. Turn left and go 0.3 mile to the end of the road. There’s
only parallel parking—do not block private drives. A generic "trail"
sign marks the start point.
HIKE DIRECTIONS:
From the trailhead, begin by hiking west, making a sharp
right about 0.1 mile in at a post for Pyramid Trail. Continue 0.44 mile to the
junction with Bursera Trail, veer left and follow the signs.
INFO: City of
Phoenix Parks & Recreation
MAPS:
