Route Editor
Route Scout
Walk in the Woods by BrettVet This is part of a 1200-mile historic trail from Nogales to San Francisco. In 1775, Juan Bautista commanding officer in the Spanish army loaded up 50 men and blazed a trail to San Francisco. Sounds like fun to me! This is the Tumacacori to Tubac 4.5 mile section of the trail that parallels the riparian Santa Cruz River. The trail can be done in either direction, but I prefer the southern trailhead just north of the Tumacacori Mission because parking is easier. If you prefer shopping, the northern trailhead located in Tubac at the south end of the picnic area across the street from the presidio information center is our best bet. From the Mission trailhead the trail goes around the northern fence line of the mission to what once was a dirt road to the river. Just before the river the trail turns left though the mesquite forest then though the dry floodway of the river to the first river crossing. Fortunately there is a small footbridge across the 6-foot wide river. A note of caution here. THE WATER IS POLLUTED! It comes out of Nogales Mexico and is marginally treated sewage. I'm a veterinarian and would not even let my golden retriever wade in it. The trail wanders though cottonwood groves past abandoned adobe homes and an archeological site. It crosses the river again about 3 miles into the hike. Then it intersects a dirt road that goes east and west. Go west to the far end of the riverbed and there is a gait to the rest of the trail that parallels the riverbank. The wooded trail breaks up into a park area and dips back into the river bank behind some of Tubac's subdivisions. To end to the east of Tubac. Retrace your route or make it a two-vehicle hike. The Tubac to Tumacacori section of the trial is maintained by the Anza Trail Coalition, a non-profit group. It removes the bridges during monsoon season and has reached agreements where the trail crosses private land, so be respectful. One last comment. If the water during monsoon season looks like it is flowing too fast to cross, it probably is! The Anza rail is one of the few riparian wooded trails in southern Arizona and is great on a warmer day because of all the shade. It also is a bird watching destination of world renown if you are into that. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
