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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Bog Springs Trail #156 & Kent Spring Trail #157 Loop
This is a very pleasant, rather short loop through an area of bubbling springs,
green grasses, big trees and long distance views. It is located conveniently
close to Bog Springs Campground and the other developed recreation sites within
the Madera Canyon Recreation Area, making this a popular trail where you can
usually count on having company. The two friendly paths that form this loop
afford excellent opportunities for observing birds and other wild animals drawn
to the oases nourished by the springs.
The Bog Springs/Kent Spring loop starts in Bog Springs
Campground and wanders up and around a shallow basin these drainages
have cut into the western slopes
of the Santa Rita Range. Forests of silverleaf oak, alligator juniper and
ponderosa pine shade the trail as it meanders between springs and
seeps sheltered by stands
of gnarled old Arizona sycamores. In addition to these silver and green barked
old-timers, communities of other moisture loving plants cluster around these
reliable watersources including Arizona bamboo, Arizona walnut, alligator
junipers and colorful clumps of wildflowers. As you might suspect,
such lush pockets of
riparian diversity also attract a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The convenience of these trails and the wild abundance
that surrounds them makes them extremely popular, so don’t be surprised if you have company. Favorite
trailside lunch spots and view points are well worn and easy to find. Where the
trees part to provide overlooks, you can expect to enjoy good views of Madera
Canyon while panoramas stretch to the Baboquivari Mountains and Kitt Peak Observatory
in the distance. The trail steepens in the vicinity of Kent Spring, but few people
would call this a very strenuous walk or horse ride. It takes only a couple of
hours to complete a full circuit, but don’t be surprised if you spend
all day.
Attractions:
Springs and oases
Wildlife diversity
Wildflowers too
Long distance views
Convenient location
Season: Spring, summer, fall
Length: 2.7 miles (#156), 1.6 miles (#157)
Elevation: 4,820'-6,620'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Wrightson
Access: Leave Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera
Canyon Exit. Turn east and follow the signs to
Bog Springs Campground in Madera Canyon
Recreation
Area. Turn left into the campground and drive around the loop
to the trail parking area. The trail follows an old roadbed
past campsite #13.
Notes:
Water can usually be found at both springs (treat
before drinking).
2.3 miles of the Bog Springs Trail are
within the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and
equipment, including mountain bikes,
are not permitted in Wilderness. See the Wilderness section of this guide
for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
Before visiting this trail, call the Nogales Ranger
District for current trail conditions which can
vary with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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