Bursera Canyon • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail

Prospector Loop - South Mountain

Lost Mine - South Mountain

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Needed a final iOS/Android test for soon to release RS 7.4.20. It has several major changes and one pipe dream that seemed impossible.

I started with two other guys, that pulled up at the same time. I quickly realized I forgot to pre-hydrate and headed back to chugalug. Short on time I was booking it more than normal and passed the first guy before the ascent. It was a nice morning and I was throwing mental victory celebrations with speeches along the way.

80% of the way up, I realized I got owned when the other guy passed me doing the figure eight loop the other way… lol

_____________________

- joe

230627

Apr 10 2026

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Bursera Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2026
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	5.18 Miles	1,234 AEG

Hiking	5.18 Miles	2 Hrs 17 Mns	2.35 mph
	1,234 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Parking lot was nearly full just before 0800. Headed west on Bursera Canyon. Hot, no breeze. Saw two coyotes.

Once up top, west on Bursera, then east on Gila. Still hot. At the saddle on Gila, I went up the connector to Bursera. Quick side trip to the high point of the ridge, then continued east on the trail.

Parking lot was much emptier when I finished. Good workout.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

230515

Apr 06 2026

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Bees Knees Loop

Bees Knees Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 06 2026
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	6.76 Miles	1,650 AEG

Hiking	6.76 Miles	2 Hrs 50 Mns	2.41 mph
	1,650 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail

Partners

none

no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Slight variation of Bees Knees loop. Parking lot was narly full when I arrived, unusual for a Monday morning. Up Bursera Canyon, west on Bursera, then west on Gila. East on National. Down Ruins. Ruins always has poor footing, but it was a little better than usual. Warm, but cloudy and breezy, so not too bad.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Palo verde, ironwood, and now the saguaros are starting.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

230440

Apr 04 2026

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,902
Photos 14,821
Triplogs 6,003

56 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Bursera Lost Luge Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 04 2026
		joebartels • Triplogs 6,003

Hiking	6.81 Miles	1,979 AEG

Hiking	6.81 Miles	3 Hrs 9 Mns	2.26 mph
	1,979 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Lost Ranch Mine Trail

Prospector Loop - South Mountain

Lost Mine - South Mountain

Partners

none

no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

My cognitive neuroscience podcast said learning is a trigger for joy. I decided to disambiguate with a new to me trail and blast off up Lost Ranch and splash down Lost Mine.

Flashes of hiking Bunyan Peak at the top of Lost Ranch. With the exception of other people, scattered rock is reminiscent of further west or SW.

Synopsis
Later realized I hiked Lost Ranch with L over four years ago. The nice thing about getting old is the gift of rediscovering.

_____________________

- joe

230410

Apr 01 2026

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,902
Photos 14,821
Triplogs 6,003

56 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Bursera - Prospector Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 01 2026
		joebartels • Triplogs 6,003

Hiking	6.16 Miles	1,804 AEG

Hiking	6.16 Miles	2 Hrs 35 Mns	2.42 mph
	1,804 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Prospector Loop - South Mountain

Lost Ranch Mine Trail

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail

Partners

none

no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Tibber got me hooked on podcast, aka audio crack. I realized that instead of ducking(lowering) other audio on Route Scout, silence when RS is speaking is preferred for podcast. After over a week with several AI agents, I couldn't get it to work on iOS, so it's strictly an Android option in RS settings.

Podcast are cool but I really need to get back into my Sinatra Metallica mix before I graduate to TED talks or bottom of the barrel talk radio.

Last week @JuanJaimeiii gave me a great Route Scout newbie perspective. As a result, a key stat should be stumbled upon easier.

I combined JJ's perspective to a perspective chums gave a couple weeks ago to the layout of files on the File page. I'm happy with the results but I know that just like switching columns on the homepage of HAZ, someone will go through withdrawals.

I stumbled upon Bursera Canyon recently because Telegraph was closed. Hopefully a raid to eliminate the Tesla Twins from soliciting at the trailhead.

Expecting the dullest of dull Tonto Grand Canyon or Bajada SoMo Inner Basin, I found it refreshing.

On one hand you have the constant roar of the freeway. The allure is the majesty of the Estrella's smackdab in front of you. Yeah I've seen them. Yeah I've been there but this showcases them like Humphreys approaching Flagstaff.

The cherry on top; the short canyon ascent is really cool because geology-wise it's not just rock like most of South Mountain, there's actual dirt. The top switchback catches a breeze like the ridge of Gila and the Goat Lode.

Since the name of the game at South Mountain is renaming trails I think we need to rename the Lost Mine side of Prospector to the Holy Luge. It's steep going down vs pure bliss ascending.

Unexpectedly passed a 20yo near noon heading up midway and then a guy in his 50s on the lower slope. Both had hiking poles.

After countless headaches of stopped activity recordings with Apple Watch, I finally figured out water lock is the way to go so your sweat doesn't become hidden gestures.

Perfect weather to enjoy the Palo Verde highlights.

_____________________

- joe

230351

Jan 10 2026

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 5,179
Triplogs 4,302

50 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

South Mountain, AZ

Hiking		Jan 10 2026
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,302

Hiking	16.25 Miles	4,154 AEG

Hiking	16.25 Miles	4 Hrs 53 Mns		3.53 mph
	4,154 ft AEG	17 Mns Break	6 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Lost Ranch Mine Trail

Cholla Flats Loop

Ranger Trail - South Mountain

Bajada Trail - South Mountain

Alta Trail

Partners

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no partners

Big Loop at south mountain. the wind for the first half was horrendous then it calmed down. great route and fun day out there seeing a bunch of new stuff

_____________________

hi

228698

Jan 08 2026

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera Canyon loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 08 2026
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	3.80 Miles	805 AEG

Hiking	3.80 Miles	1 Hour 23 Mns	2.81 mph
	805 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Parked at Bursera trailhead and headed west on Gila. Tons of poppies on the east side of the saddle. Just before the saddle, Wyatt called to tell me he was sick and needing to leave school. Ugh, my planned 8 miles just got a lot shorter. At the saddle, I took the connector up to Bursera, west on Bursera, then down Bursera Canyon to complete a short loop. Nice temps and clouds, but too sunny by the finish.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

228600

Dec 28 2025

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 243
Photos 1,371
Triplogs 230

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Bursera Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 28 2025
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 230

Hiking	7.11 Miles	1,518 AEG

Hiking	7.11 Miles	2 Hrs 59 Mns	2.48 mph
	1,518 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

Linked

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Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera

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First hike since before Thanksgiving due to holiday busyness and houseguests. Got a late start because I was feeling a little under the weather, but was determined to hike. Started on Bursera Canyon Trail because it's been ages since I last hiked that trail. There were lots of purple scorpion weed flowers and rock daisies blooming. At the junction with Bursera Trail I headed downhill towards the west.

On the north-facing slopes there were yellow poppies in bloom. Lots of them. Entire hillsides were covered with bright yellow flowers. Absolutely beautiful and unexpected. The north-facing slopes were very lush and green and the bright yellow flowers really popped.

At the bottom of the hill I took the Gila Trail to the National Trail to the Bursera Trail, and then to the Gila Trail heading eastward. More poppies on bloom on the north-facing slopes below Bursera Trail on the downhill section of Gila.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Emorys Rock Daisy Mexican Gold Poppy Scorpionweed

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Painted Lady Butterfly

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Poppies on bloom on north-facing slopes. Purple scorpion weed and rock daisies also blooming.

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228436

Dec 14 2025

pseudalpine

Guides 73
Routes 1,199
Photos 1,497
Triplogs 1,561

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 14 2025
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,561

Hiking	10.25 Miles	2,538 AEG

Hiking	10.25 Miles	3 Hrs 55 Mns	2.83 mph
	2,538 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Maricopa Trail - Guadalupe/South Mtn/Tres Rios

Pyramid Trail - South Mountain

Pyramid to Goat Hill

Partners

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no partners

Started off CW with Bursera Canyon just to switch it up. No sign of any collarless Heelers (which would be illegal) but we may have passed JJ descending the Pyramid Trail. Who knows... G.Hill today, G.Mountain tomorrow!?!

3 archives

228051

Dec 08 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera Canyon loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 08 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	7.12 Miles	1,436 AEG

Hiking	7.12 Miles	2 Hrs 38 Mns	2.74 mph
	1,436 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

danielac

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Met up with Daniela at the Bursera trailhead and got started around 0750. West on Gila to its end, east on National, east on Bursera, finished on Bursera Canyon.

Comfortable temps in the shade, warm in the sun. Not many other hikers out. Good workout.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Lots of poppies along Gila, just west of Lost Ranch. Some also along Bursera. Random scorpionweed. Brittlebush.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

227908

Sep 02 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera Canyon loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 02 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	7.02 Miles	1,364 AEG

Hiking	7.02 Miles	2 Hrs 57 Mns	2.42 mph
	1,364 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

Linked

linked

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Unfortunately, I’m back in AZ for a couple of weeks. I don’t like warm temps. I don’t like the high overhead angle of the sun. I don’t like cactus or thorns. I don’t like brown or dusty dirt. I don’t like arid climates. So I decided to go do a hike in all of those things.

Started around 0515 and headed west on Gila. Back east on National and Bursera. Finished up on Bursera Canyon. Only saw one other person. Heard some owls.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunrise

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

1 archive

225680

Jun 29 2025

mt98dew

Guides 73
Routes 37
Photos 3,639
Triplogs 2,532

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Bursera Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jun 29 2025
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,532

Hiking	4.06 Miles	1,022 AEG

Hiking	4.06 Miles	1 Hour 30 Mns	2.71 mph
	1,022 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

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no partners

Short hike at SoMo. Decided to revisit Bursera Canyon. With the new TH there is a new connector trail that leads to the Bursera Canyon Trail. Took the BC up to the ridgeline where it connects to the Bursera Trail. Followed the Bursera along the ridgeline for a short ways until I came to a connector trail that ties into the Gila Trail. It had been awhile since I had done this short segment and I thought the Gila would give me a for more tenths of a mile. Took this back towards the TH, but turned off just prior and followed the rest of the Bursera Canyon Trail to complete the loop.

Looked like it was going to be pretty sunrise, but I lost most of it to South Mountain. Very windy out this morning. No wildlife. Encountered 1 jogger and three hikers. People seemed angry today. My hellos were met with a begrudging “hrrrmmh”.

_____________________

224372

May 20 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera loop, AZ

Hiking		May 20 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	5.24 Miles	978 AEG

Hiking	5.24 Miles	2 Hrs 1 Min	2.64 mph
	978 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Met Denny at the Bursera trailhad at 0530. We made our way over to Gila, then west. Back east on Bursera, then finished on Bursera Canyon. Good workout loop, with a decent amount of early morning shade. Zero breeze though. Good to get a hike in with Denny, and always fun conversation!

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

223526

May 20 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 154
Photos 10,252
Triplogs 3,823

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Gila - Bursera loop, AZ

Hiking		May 20 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,823

Hiking	5.24 Miles	978 AEG

Hiking	5.24 Miles	2 Hrs 1 Min	2.64 mph
	978 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

Linda was good with an early start so we hit the trail at 530! I wouldn’t want to start much later as me and heat don’t get along!

Nice hike with a fair amount of shade on the climb is always welcome! Pretty quiet out there except for us chatting away!!

Nice 5 miler before 8!
Thanks Linda!! Like HAZ, you rock!!

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

223528

Apr 28 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 28 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	7.00 Miles	1,354 AEG

Hiking	7.00 Miles	2 Hrs 24 Mns	2.96 mph
	1,354 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

chumley

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Chumley and I got started from the Bursera trailhead at 1800 and opted for a fairly easy figure 8 at the west end of the preserve. Late afternoon offered an abundance of shade as we made our way to Gila Trail and headed west. My main reason for choosing this route was to see the recently completed reroute of the west end of Gila—it’s nice.

From there, we headed east on National, then east on Bursera. Breaking the climbing into three separate sections was kind of nice, and nothing was particularly steep, so I could usually breathe. The top of Bursera Canyon is a steep descent, but who cares when you’re going downhill? Easy final mile back to the parking lot. Perfect temps made for a good workout hike. Thanks, Chumley, for joining me on this one.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

223037

Apr 28 2025

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 851
Photos 22,827
Triplogs 2,045

53 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Gila - Bursera Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 28 2025
		chumley • Triplogs 2,045

Hiking	7.18 Miles	1,298 AEG

Hiking	7.18 Miles	2 Hrs 24 Mns	2.99 mph
	1,298 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

South Mountain 620 Trail Loop

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

Linda wanted to check out the new alignment of the Gila Trail. It's currently pristine. Made my first descent on the Bursera Canyon trail. Steep but nice tread. Perfect temps and a scenic sliver moon after sunset.

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

2 archives

223039

Feb 06 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Bursera Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 06 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	3.45 Miles	770 AEG

Hiking	3.45 Miles	1 Hour 47 Mns	2.13 mph
	770 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

none

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Quick hike with the dog before it got too warm. Up Bursera Canyon, down Bursera.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

221144

Jan 04 2025

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Bees Knees Loop

Bees Knees Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 04 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	7.71 Miles	1,889 AEG

Hiking	7.71 Miles	3 Hrs 15 Mns	2.40 mph
	1,889 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Lost Mine - South Mountain

Partners

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no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Slight variation of Bees Knees Loop. Got the last parking space in the lot at about 0730. West on Bursera Canyon and up to Bursera. West on Bursera and then Gila.

Noticed a recently abandoned transient camp near the Gila/National junction. Texted the coordinates to a ranger for cleanup. East on National. Side trip over 2484. Down Lost Mine.

Cooler than yesterday, but still warmer than I like. Lots of people out, as expected.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

220206

Nov 18 2024

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera Cyn loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 18 2024
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	5.26 Miles	975 AEG

Hiking	5.26 Miles	2 Hrs 18 Mns	2.41 mph
	975 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Cool enough for a hike with the dog. Got started shortly after 0800. Made our way to Gila and took that west. Back east on Bursera, then finished on Bursera Canyon. Good workout, enough to tire the dog for the day.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

219223

Oct 30 2024

Guides 119
Routes 2,508
Photos 9,795
Triplogs 2,851

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Gila - Bursera Cyn short loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 30 2024
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,851

Hiking	3.74 Miles	745 AEG

Hiking	3.74 Miles	1 Hour 38 Mns	2.39 mph
	745 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

linked