Route Editor
Route Scout
Scenic little hike on the border by Ksorensen Atascosa Peak trail is a fun and interesting trail and definitely worth doing if you happen to be in the border area near Nogales or Rio Rico. With all the weirdness going on around the border region Atascosa Peak's added attraction is that it is a safe place to hike in the area as the trail is well-traveled by tourists and locals alike, especially on weekends. The trail begins in high desert transition zone (mostly agaves), climbs steeply at first, levels off, and eventually winds up through some fairly rugged terrain to the fire lookout post where there are some stunted trees such as juniper and pinon. The view is really pretty good, and on a clear day you can see Sycamore Canyon and far away into Mexico. The fire lookout makes a comfortable place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and canyons. The fire lookout itself is also interesting because it was apparently staffed for decades by "The Lone Dane," a Danish immigrant who was the forlorn lookout on Atascosa Peak. The day we hiked the peak the Lone Dane's daughter happened to be there paying homage to her father. She gave us the whole long story of The Lone Dane's move later in life from green Denmark to desert Arizona, his marriage to a young woman from Central Mexico, and his lonely years staffing the lookout. It's a nice place with a good view, definitely charming enough for an afternoon, but I really can't imagine spending decades up there. Anyway, we did the hike in mid-March and it was a little too warm, although that may have just been unlucky. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
Coronado FS Details This trail's appearance on most maps as an insignificant, isolated squiggle leading to an abandoned lookout is truly deceptive. As far as trails are concerned, it may be one of the best kept secrets in southeastern Arizona. Some who have come here describe the views from this soaring desert butte as enchanting. Others have said that Atascosa Peak rises high enough above the surrounding landscape to provide a panorama, but not so high that the landmarks making up that view fade into insignificance. That may be the secret of this spectacular little stroll into the sky above the buttes, bluffs and canyons that lie just north of Arizona's border with Mexico. The trail itself climbs steadily, even steeply in places, but neither so long nor so relentlessly that it is exhausting. The view expands steadily as the trail switchbacks higher, first parading past nearby buttes and cliffs that thrust above grassy foothills, then providing magnificent panoramas that stretch to distant horizons. Trailside vegetation is stunted by the desert conditions and puts little between you and the sublime views. Castle Rock, Montana Peak, the spires and cliffs of Sycamore Canyon, the corduroy cai? 1/2 oncitos around Nogales catch your eye to the south. To the west, there is Baboquivari Peak, sacred to the Tohono O'Odham, and the white buildings of famous Kitt Peak Observatory. The Santa Ritas and Huachucas are just a few of the landmarks visible to the east. On a clear day, you can see the Pii? 1/2 acates of Mexico and, some say, even the glint of the Sea of Cortez. A final flurry of switchbacks takes you to the peak's summit. Take lunch and stay awhile. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Atascosa Lookout Trail #100
Had another semi domestic weekend but snuck out today to do this one, another favorite, then visit my parents on my way back to Tucson. Fabulous swirling clouds, cold wind and sunny. Met a gentleman doing a "bird count", very serious camera and lens. Otherwise a short solitary trail. Very nice and with the stormy light one's camera will be out most of the time. The lookout has been painted a very ugly (IMO) drab brown. Still stands out on the rocky point. Inside was very neat, nice to be out of the wind for lunch. The old privy has succumbed to time and the weather I suspect. This return trek made me want to return for more exploring in this area. It's time.
2008-12-15 RedRoxx44
Atascosa Lookout Trail #100
Nice short hike on a Christmas day- lots of great views and what can you say when you're hiking in Dec in shorts! Anyway this is about my favorite short trail. Communed with the spirit of Ed Abbey at the fire lookout. The trail register shows light but consistent use, folks from the French Alps and Bejing had signed in; along with a couple of Border Patrol agents.
Any place along this trail gives great views- the Santa Ritas, Mexico, Baboquivari, Kitt Peak et al.
The fire lookout has been cleaned up, would now make a nice overnighter. The windows have been repaired and borded up. I miss the view from inside and the watercolors someone had painted and left up there. Be good in the warmer months to come up and watch the stars. Merry Christmas to all---
Any place along this trail gives great views- the Santa Ritas, Mexico, Baboquivari, Kitt Peak et al.
The fire lookout has been cleaned up, would now make a nice overnighter. The windows have been repaired and borded up. I miss the view from inside and the watercolors someone had painted and left up there. Be good in the warmer months to come up and watch the stars. Merry Christmas to all---
2003-12-25 RedRoxx44
Atascosa Lookout Trail #100
I think that this is one of the best hikes in southern Arizona. Good scenery, with a great view from the top, it is worth doing expecially since there are other great hikes in the area. It is about 2.5 miles each way with a elevation gain of 1500 feet. Most people will take 1-4 hours round trip. It can be done anytime of the year, although it usually receives snow in the winter.
2001-10-10 sidhayes
