WILD MUSTANG LOOP
Tortolita Mountains, Marana
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| 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.
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| 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
Dove Mountain Hikers:
MORE PHOTOS:
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