Tortolita Ridgeline Trail, AZ

Overview: Nice new single track taking off from near Alamo Springs up onto the ridgeline. Ends in nowhere!

History: Another great new trail in the Tortolita Mountains

Hike: A simple new trail to add into the growing network of trails in the Tortolitas. The western trailhead for this takes off at a signed junction a short ways up the Alamo Springs trail as it leaves Alamo Springs itself. Bear left onto the signed Ridgeline trail and start a series of relatively gradual switchbacks that take you up onto the ridgeline of the southern end of Wild Burro Canyon. The trail sweeps around once up top affording very nice views north over the Tortolitas and also south, where excellent views of the big Pusch Ridge peaks await.

As you swing along the ridge, the trail also offers you nice views into the next canyon south (Canyon Pass)..which is partly developed. The trail currently ends at an unsigned junction with the Loop Connector Trail, which is still under construction. This trail ((Loop Connector) will ultimately connect with Wild Burro Spring and the new trail heading back to the Wild Mustang trail from there (which itself shortly thereafter feeds back to Alamo Springs thus completing a big loop). A stake in ground with Marana Parks and Rec sticker currently marks this spot, which also sits at a small saddle with nice views.

This trail is open for mountain bikes, ideal for trail running and piecing together nice long hikes in the Tortolita Mountains. The shortest route to the western trailhead is to hike the Wild Burro trail from the Ritz trailhead to Alamo Springs, which is about 2.7 miles.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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

2013-11-05 fricknaley