![]() ![]() Take the spur trail to the left (north) down the hill to across Aqua Verde canyon. ![]() The trail reaches a junction at 4.8 miles at a sign with a knife and fork and an arrow. There is a view into Colossal Cave Mountain Park and La Posta Quemada Ranch below.Ĭontinue through the saddle and switchback down the hill toward the ranch. It winds its way up the hill, reaching the high point at 4.2 miles. The trail climbs to cross a fence line on the boundary of Colossal Cave Mountain Park and then heads for a saddle. Cross a gas line road at 2.5 miles and powerlines at mile 3.0. An unusual castle, known as Agua Verde Castle, comes into view atop a hill to your right. The trail climbs and then descends and winds through the low hills. In 0.2 miles, go through a fence at the northern boundary of Cienega Creek Preserve. These are the southernmost large Saguaro on the AZT and are great for a photo. Go through a fence line and follow the curving trail that then heads west.Īt mile 1.5 the trail curves into a side canyon and past a group of Saguaro cactus. Make sure there are no trains coming before you cross underneath the canopy at 1.3 miles. This area is called Three Bridges, the third bridge belongs to the road. The trail curves left (south) briefly to follow the road before making a right to cross under the second set of railroad tracks on this hike. Reach Marsh Station Road and turn on the crossing warning lights by pushing the button. At 1.0 miles, the trail meets a utility road at a “T” intersection and makes a sharp turn to the left to head west. Take a right and begin climbing out of Cienega Creek. This is a great turnaround spot for a shorter, 1.4-mile hike. Stay to the right (east) and at 0.7 miles, look to your right for a brown Arizona Trail sign pointing out of the creek. It curves to the right and crosses underneath a railroad bridge. Turn left and follow the creek downstream. You may have to look for the best place to cross on rocks to keep your feet dry. The trail descends for 0.5 miles into a side canyon of Cienega Creek and turns left in 0.1 miles into the main stem of the creek. Two more pieces of tile art along with a bench and a trail register where you can add your thoughts complete this meditative space.īack to the junction, continue straight ahead to go down the hill and past a sign for the Arizona Trail bicycle bypass. Take the gravel-paved path right to visit the memorial, which ends at a small clearing in the desert with incredible views of Cienega Creek and the Rincon Mountains. Go through the gate and there is a four-way junction. This trailhead memorializes Gabe and his love for the outdoors and the Arizona Trail.įrom the parking area, take a moment to enjoy the metal and tile artwork of Gabe Zimmerman smiling, wearing a backpack. He was one of the six people who died in the shooting outside a Tucson supermarket during one of her “Congress on Your Corner events on January 8, 2011. He was instrumental in the Arizona Trail getting its designation as a National Scenic Trail in 2009. Gabe Zimmerman was the director of community outreach for U.S. The Arizona Trail heading north will take you through the Cienega Creek Preserve to Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Cienega Creek is a special place east of Tucson with towering cottonwood trees, a seasonal stream and great views of the surrounding Rincon Mountains. ![]()
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