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Believe it or not I actually did see a Javelina by fricknaley  2013 Route Modification Access is now from the Ritz. Overview This is a lovely, easily accessible out and back hike on the western edge of the trails in the western section of the Tortolita Mountains. It makes for a quick jaunt with enough up and down elevation to get your heart rate up. Start from the common Wild Burro Trailhead on the east side of Dove Mountain Blvd. used to access all these trails in the western Tortolias. This hike's first stretch is the ubiquitous Wild Burro Wash walk of 1.35 into the interior of the Wild Burro Canyon. This is the same wash I've described for all the other hikes out here, so I won't go into detail again. You can follow the trail as it wanders along either side of the wash or walk the wash. After passing the foolish Ritz Carlton and State Trust boundary, you will come to the Wild Burro Trail intersection and several others at a signed intersection. This is about 1.35 miles from the trailhead. Hang a right onto the Upper Javelina Trail and start to almost immediately climb up the northern flanks of the Wild Burro Canyon walls. The trail heads back west somewhat as it climbs with views of the resort (lame). As it climbs, it crosses over a small but relatively steep drainage heading south. Cross over this and switchback up its western walls up higher onto the northern wall of the larger Wild Burro Canyon. The trail heads away from the canyon slightly as it continues north onto the canyon's hilly ridgeline. Just less than a mile from the Wild Burro trail's intersection, the Upper Javelina will split at a signed intersection with the Wild Mustang Trail, which heads right. Take the left fork onto the signed Upper Javelina trail. There is an unsigned trail intersection just before this, which is only indicated by a generic trail marker with the arrow pointing you right. I think the unsigned left here may take you down to the Ritz, but I'm not sure. In either event, look for the signed intersection of Upper Javelina and Wild Mustang, which is roughly 2.25 miles from the parking lot. This next stretch of the upper Javelina trail will parallel the ridgeline of a small canyon spilling down west towards to north end of the resort and adjacent golf course, with nice views far out to the west. This minor canyon sits between the larger Wild Burro and Cochie Canyons. It initially climbs up the north wall of the ridgeline and then crosses over to the south flank at the highpoint before slowly descending back down to the desert floor. The descent is fairly gradual. Though the resort view is annoying, the local scenery around you as you descend is very nice typical desert mountain terrain and flora. At about 3.75 miles from the trailhead, the Upper Javelina trail comes to a gate at the resort boundary. You can pass through the gate and follow a path along the periphery of the resort, possibly all the way back to the mouth of Wild Burro Canyon, which I would not recommend due to the annoyance factor. I'm not entirely sure the path goes all the way back. I would recommend going back up the way you came. You get to add some elevation again on the way back, and the scenery is much, much better. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
