Eastern Tortolita Trail |
| Date |
12/22/2004 |
| Trail Time |
3-4 hours |
| Location |
The trail starts just north of Catalina at (N32 30.658 W110 55.503), turning west and crossing Big Wash. There will be signs for the PAss X Ranch.
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| Mapping / GPS / Waypoint / Track Files |
Downloads: .MPS File / .gdb file (version 2) / .gpx file / .txt file
Maps:
Topo Area / MPS Map
Note: To download, right click and "save as". Mapsource Version 6.5.0 Beta
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Trail Rating: 3 (1-5 scale) |
2.5
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| Major Obstacle |
There are several minor challenges, including a short, crossed axle climb and a series of smaller granite shelf's to scale. |
| Brush (minor, moderate, severe) |
Moderate |
| Scenic Value (1-5 scale) |
4 |
| Attendees |
Scott Brady- 2004 Toyota Tacoma
Randy and Linda- 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport
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| Trip Planning |
State Trust Land Permit Required
Contact:
AZ PLIC
222 N. Central Avenue, Suite 101
Phoenix, AZ 85004-2203
Phone (602) 417-9300
Fax (602) 417-9556
e-mail AZ_PLIC@blm.gov
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The Tortolita's border the northern range of Tucson basin, with the larger, and more frequented Catalina's to the east. As with most of the mountains in the Sonoran Desert, the Tortolita's are young, geographically speaking, with sharp features, rugged peaks and deep erosion scaring the surface creating gully's, canyons and alluvial fans. The rocky soil supports vast concentration of cactus, though little else.
The trail starts at (N32 30.658 W110 55.503 NAD27), leaving AZ77 and heading west across Big Wash and into the Pass X Ranch. This area is frequently occupied by cattle, so drive slow and show respect to the land lease owner. Just after Big Wash (N32 30.684 W110 55.917), the trail leaves the main track and heads north for nearly a mile before starting a slow curve to the northwest. The trail along this area is easy, but yields beautiful views and cactus groves. |
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| At just over 3.5 miles from big wash, the trail bears west. There are several other minor tracks that head off from the main trail, so make sure to keep a westerly direction towards the mountains. We crossed a cattle guard at (N32 33.025 W111 00.532), and the trail became more challenging as it enters batamote Wash on its climb to Cottonwood springs. There are several crossed axle gullies and cambered sections, restricting further passage to 4wd vehicles. |
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| The petroglyph site is at (N32 32.997 W111 01.156), and makes a great place to stop. The is a good parking area with turn-around, and even a few level spots for camping. The Petroglyph's are on the east side of the granite rock outcropping. |
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| From the petroglyph site, the trail continues west, and begins to climb in elevation. The obstacles after the petroglyph are what earns this trail a 2.5 rating, as there are several granite shelf's and rock outcropping to negotiate, including a challenging crossed axle ledge that will likely lift a tire on most vehicles. For stock height vehicles, skid plates are important and running boards may be damaged. |
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The first challenge is a rounded granite ledge that climbs steeply to a shelf at the top. |
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| The second obstacle is a sharp crossed axle granite ledge. (also shown on the right) |
| The trail climbs to a draw, with an open area for two to three vehicles that makes a great lunch spot (N32 32.842 W111 01.916). This is the high point of the trail and provides for beautiful views to the north to Fresnal Canyon and the falcon Divide. To the west, the Samaniego Ridge of the Catalina's rise from behind Canada del Oro. From this high point, the trail does continue west from the draw and into the deep canyons of the tortolita's. |
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