Colossal Cave to Marsh Station, AZ

The Arizona Trail has several connector trails between mountain ranges. This is a 3-mile segment between the Rincon Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains heading south from Colossal Cave Park to Marsh Station Road.

The trail is brand new and well maintained with some great panoramic views of the Rincon and Santa Rita mountains. It traverses a low set of foothills of the Rincon's out of Colossal Cave park.

The trailhead starts in the "Cowboy" parking lot which is part of the La Posta Puemata Ranch located within the park's boundaries. At the west end of the parking lot, there is a small picnic ground with an aluminum gate. This is where a small connector trail goes across the wash up a small incline to intersect the main Arizona Trail. Go right on the AZT to begin the small climb up and over the saddle. The trail has a few long switchbacks and then parallels the side of the mountain gradually gaining altitude. At the saddle, the castle comes into view to the east. Yes, I said castle... it sits on the next hill over and is owned by an exocentric man and wife that I guess wanted to fulfill their version of a dream home. The only thing missing is the mote. I was on a constant lookout for knights or trolls on this section of the hike. From here the trail ascends gradually into the valley below heading towards marsh station road and I-10. This section of the desert to a desert dweller is OK but not spectacular, mesquite, paloverde, and a few saguaros.

You can avoid the park fee by starting this hike at the marsh station trailhead of the AZT. The park does not open until 9 AM.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2007-10-24 BrettVet