Lower yourself to do this quick hike by fricknaley
2013 Route Modification Access is now from the Ritz.
Overview: This is a very simple little lasso loop from the common Wild Burro Trailhead, off of Dove Mountain Blvd. in the Tortolita Mountain trail system. Short and easy, it offers the perfect late day getaway or opportunity for a brief excursion into the desert mountains. The route finding is easy and the trails are all nice in here.
Hike: This hike begins from the Wild Burro Trailhead and follows the wide, sandy and flat Wild Burro Wash into the western interior of the Tortolitas via Wild Burro Canyon. This beginning section is a "get it over with" 1.35 mile walk up the wash cutting between two golf courses (which you don't actually see). At the end of the wash is the annoying Ritz-Carlton eyesore. Bring your iPod or whatever you use and power through this section to the real beginning of the trail network. You can follow the trail which weaves in and out of the wash or simply walk straight up the wash, you will end up in the same place.
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Where the Wild Burro hits the trail network, there are several signs to point you in the correct direction. To the left is the route for the Lower Javelina Trail. Cross left over the wash to the base of the northern canyon wall, where another sign tells you to go right onto the Lower Javelina trail, while the Upper Javelina breaks up and to the left. The trail winds through the desert and soon splits again at another sign. The Lower Javelina now goes left, while the Wild Burro Trail continues on straight along the wash. The Lower Javelina will climb up a couple hundred feet then run along the flank of the canyon wall. The trail cuts through excellent desert and winds around the bouldery terrain. Look back occasionally for nice views down the canyon and out to Baboquivari Peak. Soon enough the trail descends back to the bottom of the wash and crosses over it to the other (southern) side. This is all signed. It briefly climbs up a couple hundred feet then runs along the flank of the southern wall of the canyon as it heads back to the mouth of Wild Burro Canyon. You can see the eyesore Ritz on the way back. The trail then descends again, meets up with the Alamo Springs trail descending from the ridgeline of the southern wall and drops you back off at the beginning of the trail network. Follow the Wild Burro Trail or wash back to the trailhead.
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.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To Wild Burro (Ritz) Trailhead From I-10 in north Tucson take Tangerine Road exit (#240) and head east. In about 5 miles the 1st stoplight you come to is Dove Mountain Blvd. Take left here and follow the road roughly 4 miles around the west end of the Tortolitas. Just past The Gallery is a small well-signed trailhead for Wild Burro Trail. This is on your right.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 104 mi, 1 hour 37 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 20.6 mi, 27 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 248 mi, 3 hours 43 mins
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