Tortolita Preserve

TORTOLITA PRESERVE

Candelabra saguaros are the preserve's icons

The saguaro cactus is one of the most iconic plants of the Sonoran Desert.

They thrive in Arizona’s warm, low desert areas and their creamy white blooms are the state’s official flower.  Growing up to 50 feet with lifespans of 150-200 years, the signature cacti take on many forms.  They exist as single columns, many-armed giants and sometimes develop elaborate contorted crests.  But in the sandy washes of the Tortolito Preserve in Marana, the elegant branching specimens are known as candelabra saguaros. 

The hike has a posh, botanical garden feel

It makes sense that the thorny cacti would take on a moniker that mirrors the area’s posh vibe.  Surrounded by golf greens in the foothills of the Tortolito Mountains a few miles north of Tucson, the preserve bumps up against one of Arizona’s most luxurious resorts, the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. 

Twin Peaks (c: horizon) seen from the preserve

Hiking in the 2,400-acre preserve is more like a stroll through a botanical garden than a backcountry hike.  Established in 2009, the desert expanse is outfitted with a 9.2-mile ,non-motorized trail that traces the preserve’s perimeter for a tour of rich desert plant life and gorgeous mountain vistas. 

The "Old-Timer" ironwood

Flat, easy and maintained to resort-class standards, the trail passes among dozens of impressive “candelabras” as well as palo verde “tunnels”, acres of chain fruit cholla and several ancient, gnarled ironwood trees (including the famous "Old-Timer") known for their frothy, pea-like pink blooms that color the desert in springtime.

Tortolito Mountain views

The 9.2-mile perimeter trail is well-signed

Mountain views are a hallmark of the preserve’s appeal.  To the north, the Tortolita Mountains that rise to 4,300 feet, are home to more than 30 miles of more difficult trails can be accessed by way of the Wild Burro trailhead near the resort. 

Cholla ribs display a honeycomb pattern

Gnarly, ancient ironwoods are common on the trail

To the west, the distinctive form of Twin Peaks is a dominant presence.

A palo verde "tunnel" along the route

While the mountain routes might be beyond the skill sets of casual visitors, the preserve trail offers an alternative way to appreciate the desert-mountain natural space in a tamer, leisurely fashion.

Tortolito Preserve trailhead

Post hike, treat yourself to some of the area’s top-shelf dining, shopping and hotel accommodations. Or, for the full star treatment, splurge with a weekend at the Ritz with a gemstone healing massage, poolside cocktails and a candelabra-lit gourmet meal. 

Signs mark points-of-interest along the way

LENGTH: 9.2 miles total

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 2,300 – 2775 feet

GETTING THERE:

State Land /Moore Road Trailhead

6250 W. Moore Road, Marana.

From Interstate 10 in Marana, take the Tangerine Road exit 240. At the bottom of the off ramp, go 5 miles east on Tangerine Road to Dove Mountain Blvd.  Turn left, go 1 mile to Moore Road, turn left and continue 1 mile to the trailhead.  Pass the state land gate (close it behind you) and park in the large dirt lot.  The hike begins at the map kiosk.  There are no restrooms or water at this trailhead.

The preserve is on State Trust land, but a permit is not required.

No facilities

INFO:  Town of Marana
https://www.discovermarana.org/directory/tortolita-preserve-and-trail-system/

WILD MUSTANG LOOP

WILD MUSTANG LOOP

Tortolita Mountains, Marana

Yucca on Wild Mustang Trail frames Santa Catalina Mtns.

If you dig deep enough into the barrel of misunderstood hiking routes, you just might discover a gem like the Wild Mustang Trail. Because it snuggles up to the Ritz-Carlson Dove Mountain property in Marana, access to the trail requires a stroll past groomed gardens, posh casitas and a golf course. Not exactly the stuff of hardcore hiker dreams. But hold on to your horses--the scenery quickly transitions from fancy to fierce. Getting to the Wild Mustang Trail requires the use of connecting routes that are signed with color-coded posts. The trail can be hiked as an out-and-back or tied into several loop options. We decided to try the West Rim Loop as described on the Dove Mountain Hikers website (link below). The first 1.4 miles of the hike follows a wash in full view of the resort. After that, it ascends 1,250 feet into the raw beauty of the Tortolita Mountains, where crested saguaros can be spotted at nearly every turn. At one time, there were 43 documented in the area. A recent freeze culled the count to about 30 specimens. Some of them are located along the trails while others hide out in distant clefs and gullies. With patience and a keen eye, you can see 9 contorted cacti on this loop. When hiking here, it's important to respect the terrain and know your limits. Despite the various springs shown on maps, there's no water and very little shade. While the lower trails are simple strolls, the mountain routes are rough, so you'll need lots of H2O, sun protection and power snacks. What the hike lacks in terms of feral equine sightings it more than makes up for at a 3,850-foot saddle with views of a dozen mountain ranges jutting over the Tucson area. The site is outfitted with interpretive signs and a bench that makes for a perfect spot to take a break and scope out the profiles of Mt. Wrightson, Kitt Peak and a patchwork farmlands of the Santa Cruz and Avra Valleys.

At 3.8 miles, the Wild Mustang Trail is the longest leg of the loop and exudes a primitive, remote feel. At one point, its cactus population rivals that of nearby Saguaro National Park, accented with a plethora of blooming yucca and sotol growing among granite boulders and metamorphic slick rock. The trail's highpoint features dizzying vistas of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Pusch Ridge without an aqua pool or putting green in sight. After the long climb, the route makes a steep, rocky dive onto Wild Burro Canyon. You'll pass Alamo Spring, two historic line houses and several scenic lookouts before landing in sandy washes for the final trudge back to the trailhead.

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, follow the short access path, and turn left (north) on Wild Burro Trail (purple). Go 0.5 mile north and turn left onto Upper Javelina Trail (red) and follow it 0.9 mile to Wild Mustang Trail (orange). Turn right and hike 4.2 miles to Wild Burro Trail (purple), turn right (south) and follow it 2.7 miles back to trailhead. 

Crested saguaro on Wild Mustang Trail

LENGTH: 8.7-mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2810'- 4060'

GETTING THERE:

Wild Burro Trailhead,14810 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana. From Phoenix, go south on Interstate 10 to Tangerine Road exit 240, go 4.9 miles east to Dove Mountain Blvd. turn left and continue 4.5 miles to a traffic circle. Turn right through the circle and and pass the Ritz-Carlton gatehouse. Trailhead is less than a mile up the road. There are no fees.

INFO & MAP: Town of Marana

http://www.marana.com/index.aspx?NID=785

Dove Mountain Hikers:

http://www.dovemountaincivicgroup.org/hiking.htm

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204119142937567.1073742077.1795269672&type=1&l=390300f5c2