Camino Campana

CAMINO CAMPANA

Camino Campana was dedicated on 10-31-21

 

Desert pop quiz!  What’s metarhyolite?  How many entrance holes are in a packrat midden? What’s the function of a “nurse plant”?  In what ways do dead saguaros benefit the environment?  Stumped? 

Chris & Dawn Vandell of Ftn Hills walk their dog Vinny

To learn the answers to these questions and much more, take a stroll on the Camino Campana in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 

Pablo Moyano of Mesa inspects a geology display

The trail is named for Kathryn “Sam” Campana who has been an advocate for environmental issues, a Scottsdale elected official, non-profit executive, arts advocate, volunteer and mover-and shaker in the planning and development of the preserve.  The 0.74-mile, barrier-free interpretive path which loops through breezy desert at the base of Fraesfield Mountain is outfitted with beautifully-illustrated signs and interactive displays. 

Leashed dogs are welcome on preserve trails

Each of the 11 educational stops along the route explores a different aspect of the surrounding landscape.  Hikers will learn about geology, bird nests, human history, archeology, wildlife and plants.  The wide, stroller and wheel chair accessible trail is perfect for those with mobility challenges or wrangling kids while restrooms and shade at the trailhead round out the family-friendly amenities.  

An ersatz mountain lion stalks its prey

The trail also has a surprise lurking in the mesquite that gives hikers a momentary fright. 

A harmless coachwhip snake slithers for cover.

Who lives here? There's a sign for that.

Look for a metal silhouette of a mountain lion stalking its prey that looks startling real from a distance. 

Seven-month-old Vinny strikes a pose.

Dedicated on October 31, 2021, the meandering loop unwinds its instructive gems with intuitive panache.  A kiosk about washes leans over a wash, a sign directing visitors to look to the sky sits below a hillside popular with raptors and a strategically-placed view station with a postcard-style frame and adjacent selfie stand presents an irresistible opportunity to document the trip. 

The Camino Campana is wide and barrier-free

LENGTH: 0.74 mile loop

RATING: easy, barrier-free

ELEVATION: 2,540 ft

GETTING THERE:

Fraesfield trailhead:

13400 . Rio Verde Dr., Scottsdale.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess/Pima exit 36 and go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite Blvd./Rio Verde Dr.  Turn right and go 5.6 miles to the trailhead on the left.  There are restrooms but no water at the trailhead.

PRESERVE HOURS: Sunrise to sunset daily. Check website for exact times.

INFO:

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve