Tortilla Mountains - AZT #15, AZ

Overview
From the Freeman Road Trailhead, the route follows sinuous singletrack and occasional doubletrack roads through a remote corner of Arizona. It goes under some high-tension powerlines, crosses two two-track roads, and then crosses a gas line road. It then turns to the west, crosses a large wash, and begins following a fenceline. After going through a gate the trail turns to the northwest and passes by a large pile of erratic granite boulders. From here the trail continues through the desert, crossing several washes, another road, and a gate, just above Tecolote Ranch Road. After crossing this road the trail keeps to the north, crosses under powerlines, and joins a road. It follows this road for almost 2 miles and then heads overland before joining another road. From here the trail turns north, passes several road junctions, and climbs to a gate on a hill. The trail descends the northeast side of this hill and then follows a drainage to a road. After leaving the road the trail descends to Ripsey Wash, follows it for a ways, and then turns into a side canyon and begins climbing up the Big Hill. After switchbacking around the hill the trail heads north-northwest along a ridgeline. It turns to the east and then back due north, and then starts a long descent. After crossing several washes the trail reaches the Florence-Kelvin Trailhead. It crosses the highway and heads in a north-northeast direction. After crossing a large wash it curves around and down to the Kelvin Bridge and the Gila River.


Southern Trailhead: Freeman RoadNorthern Trailhead: Gila River - Kelvin Bridge

Updated 2021-09-30

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot