BROWN MOUNTAIN

BROWN MOUNTAIN

Browns Mountain Trail surprises with sweet vistas.

When compared to the soaring peaks and jagged ridges that surround it, Brown Mountain reads more like a molehill. But don’t be too quick to shrug off hiking the hill that anchors the west end of Tucson Mountain Park in Pinal County. Its wallflower appearance belies a memorable hike replete with rich Sonoran Desert vegetation and far-reaching vistas.

Ascending the flanks of Browns Mountain.

Although a hike on the moderate-rated Brown Mountain Trail is a less intimidating trek than say, adjacent King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak, the little adventure still packs a respectable punch with some edgy exposure and steep slopes.

Overlooking the Tohono O'Odham reservation.

Seeds of a Slender Janusia vine cling to a shrub.

C.B. Brown is considered the founder of Tucson Mtn. Park.

Accessible by way of several picnic areas within the park, the hike begins with an initial descent and wash crossing before taking on the switchbacks that climb to the mountain’s crest.

Except for a few places where the trail clings to cliffs with vertical drop offs and some areas of loose rock, the climb requires only moderate effort. 

Fruits on Anderson's Thornbush.

Twisting skyward among impressive stands of saguaros, cholla, mesquite and blooming shrubs entwined with wild vines, the trail dodges stony crags stained in the colors of wine and rust.  It doesn’t take long for the ascent sweat to start paying dividends. As the trail loops up and over the mountain, it delivers a carousel-like experience of ever-changing scenery.

A rugged wash cuts into the base of the mountain.

Distant peaks on horizon.

The lower leg of the loop features views of the Tuscon Mtns.

Colorful rock outcroppings line the route.

Atop the mountain’s hogback ridgeline, an unobscured panorama of sprawling valleys and layers of mountain ranges takes center stage. To the north and east, the Tucson Mountains form a ragged wall of imposing pinnacles. To the south and west, expansive flatlands of the Tohono O’Odham reservation and the Aguirre Valley melt into the hazy silhouettes of Kitt Peak, the Santa Rosa Mountains, Mount Wrightson and the singular form of Baboquivari Peak. 

Directly north, the muted green scrub and grasslands of Saguaro National Park remind that this is one of most dense and diverse desert plant and wildlife environments in Arizona.  The return leg of the hike traces the mountain’s lower north flank capping off a short but rewarding outing.  Because this hike won’t take very long to complete, plan on extending your visit by exploring nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios or the many attractions at Saguaro National Park.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum seen from the trail.

LENGTH: 3.7-mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2650- 3100 feet

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Speedway Blvd. exit 257, head west and continue 9.4 miles on Speedway (turns into Gates Pass Road at 4.6 miles) to Kinney Road. Turn right on Kinney Road and continue to either of the two main access points along the road. It’s 0.8-mile to the Brown Mountain picnic area or 2.2 miles to the Juan Santa Cruz picnic area.  At the Brown Mountain site, the trail begins at the picnic area near the C.B. Brown sign. At the Juan Santa Cruz site, the trail begins just past the fenced-off ramada near a grill and picnic table.

INFO & MAPS:

Tucson Mountain Park

https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Natural%20Resources%20Parks%20and%20Recreation/Parks/Tucson%20Mountain%20Park/TMP_Map.pdf

Celebrate & Support the Maricopa Trail

Celebrate & Support the Maricopa Trail

Full Circle.

On Saturday, November 17, 2018, the sweet aroma of singed wood at Cave Creek Regional Park marked the completion of Phase 1 of the Maricopa Trail.  Using a hot branding iron, Former Maricopa County Board Supervisor Andy Kunasek and current Maricopa County Board Supervisor, Steve Chucri brought the nearly two-decade-long effort of building the Valley-circumnavigation route full circle by burning the initials “MT” into a wood panel, exactly as was done at the trail’s 2004 groundbreaking.

Ceremonial final shovelfuls.

American Conservation Experience.

The branding followed a ceremonial tossing of the final shovelfuls of dirt onto the trail and the unveiling of a new informational kiosk at the Overton trailhead where the Maricopa Trail departs the park on its 315-mile journey. Speakers, information booths, guided hikes and the release of two Harris's Hawks rehabilitated by Wild at Heart, a rescue organization for birds of prey, made for a full morning of festivities.

Brian Derrick

Initial plans for the trail were rolled out in 2000. What followed was years of cooperative planning and elbow grease across multiple governmental agencies, businesses, communities and volunteer organizations.

The primary driver was Andy Kunasek, an outdoor enthusiast and former public servant who saw the value in creating a non-motorized  trail that would connect ten county parks to provide recreational opportunities while protecting natural and cultural resources along its route.  

Andy Kunasek

Often referred to as “The Father of the Maricopa Trail”, Kunasek pushed for the financial support, alliances, easements and ongoing partnerships that made the route possible. He is also the founder of the Prickly Pedal mountain bike race which supports the Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation (MT+PF), a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable financial support and volunteer trail maintenance.

Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation

The annual event will take place on January 19, 2019 and will include a grueling 40-mile race on the trail between Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek and Lake Pleasant Regional Park, a 13-mile Fun Ride tailored to more casual riders and the ever-popular Kids Race where young riders ages 6 to 11 vie for medals and glory.  New this year—for non-bikers-- is an 8k trail run that will feature a rumble through the trail’s rugged beauty and diverse terrain.  But you don’t have to be a rider or runner to show your support for the trail. Spectators can enjoy a day of fun and activities followed by an awards ceremony and post-ride party by the lake with live music, food and beer garden.

Desert beauty on the Maricopa Trail.

Hiking the Maricopa Trail

Hawk release

Although the main big loop is now complete, the Maricopa Trail will continue to evolve and grow with added connectivity to municipal parks, communities and urban centers.  With dozens of trailheads and access points along its route, it’s easy to step out on the trail from just about anywhere in the Valley.  A good place to start is at Cave Creek Regional Park with a moderate

Dedication ceremony

Prickly Pedal Bike Race 2018

trek to the Andy Kunasek at Spear S Ranch Trailhead. 

Scorpion demonstration

This stretch of the trail wanders through a lush and diverse desert landscape in the shadow of Apache Peak. 

Harris's hawks take flight

Running through washes, mesquite forests and foothills lodged between the Tonto National Forest and north Phoenix suburbs, the segment has a remote feel and outstanding vistas.  Hike this section as a 13.2-mile out-and-back or a 6.6-mile one way car shuttle.  As Brian Derrick, MT+PF President said at the dedication ceremony, “One of the best ways you can show support for the trail is to get out and hike on it.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS
Full Circle: RJ Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director displays the ceremonial brand denoting the completion of Phase 1 of the Maricopa Trail.
Ceremonial Final Shovelfuls: Dignitaries place the final touches on the trail.

American Conservation Experience:
The Flagstaff-based volunteer organization began assisting with Maricopa Trail building and maintenance in 2016.
Brian Derrick: Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation President spoke about the importance of trail maintenance and volunteerism.
Andy Kunasek: The Father of the Maricopa Trail spoke about the history of the trail.
Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation:
Board members, Larry Sneed and Jan Hancock, invite visitors to check out the volunteer trail maintenance trailer provide by REI.
Desert beauty on the Maricopa Trail: View from the trail that runs between Cave Creek Regional Park and Spear S Ranch.
Hiking the Maricopa Trail:
View from the trail that runs between Cave Creek Regional Park and Spear S Ranch.
Hawk release:  Steve Chucri, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman and former Chairman, Andy Kunasek get ready to release rehabilitated Harris's hawks into the park.
Dedication ceremony: RJ Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director emceed the event.
Prickly Pedal: Finish line scene from the 2018 race.
Scorpion: An Arizona Game and Fish representative displays a scorpion at the event.
Harris's hawks take flight: Two raptors rehabilitated by Wild at Heart fly into their new home. A silhouette of a Harris's hawk appears in the Maricopa Trail logo.

Maricopa Trail Anthem-Cave Creek-Spur Cross Segment Sampler:

LENGTH: 6.6 miles one-way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2050' - 2295'

GETTING THERE:

Cave Creek Regional Park Overton Trailhead:

37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek.

From Carefree Highway in Cave Creek, go north on 32nd Street to the park entry gate.  Follow the main park road to the Overton trailhead at the nature center.  There’s a $7 daily fee per vehicle.

Andy Kunasek at Spear S Ranch Trailhead:

41799 N. New River Road.

From Carefree Highway in Cave Creek, go north 4.5 miles north on 7th Street, (turns into New River Road) to the trailhead on the right just before Linda Lane.

INFO & MAPS: Maricopa Trail

https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/things-to-do/activity/maps/

Prickly Pedal Bike Race: January 19, 2019.

http://pricklypedal.com/

Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation

http://mctpf.org/the-trail/