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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Butterfly Trail #16
This is a delightful trail that passes through an area
of such diverse biology that part of it has been designated a Research
Natural Area. Views are diverse too, facing both east
and west in what
is a unique situation among generally south and west-facing
Santa Catalina trails. To top it all off, a generous helping of these
attractions
can be reached by hiking a relatively easy part of the
trail, avoiding those steeper portions that account for its “more difficult” rating.
If you’re one of the growing number of Forest visitors that likes to know
what you’re seeing, you’ll want to bring your tree and wildflower
books. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable outdoor classroom
than this. If you have a book on butterflies, you’ll want to bring that
too. These colorful creatures congregate in clusters among the wildflowers
that grow here.
Along the trailside, a variety of trees are mixed and matched
in diverse communities that include ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir and
southwestern white
pine in the high,
cool areas; Arizona madrone, box elder and bigtooth maple in the more moderate
areas; and alligator juniper, various species of oak and yuccas in drier,
more exposed areas. Moist ravines are decorated with columbine and butterfly
weed,
while south facing slopes provide an appropriate habitat for prickly pear
and hedgehog cactus.
Views along this trail are as diverse as the biology, especially
if you take the short side hike to the top of Mt. Bigelow. At this
forest lookout
location
you’ll find good views of Tucson to the west. The rest of the trail offers
views to the east, of Alder Canyon, the San Pedro Valley and the copper smelter
at San Manuel.
Attractions:
Trees, wildflowers and butterflies
East-west views
Cool forest setting
Diverse biology
Easy hike option
Research Natural Area
Season: Summer, fall
Length: 5.7 miles
Elevation: 6,500'-8,200'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Bigelow
Access: Take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road
in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary
and continue 19 miles to the Palisade
Visitor Information
Center. The trailhead for Butterfly Trail is located at the
north end of the parking lot across the road. The upper trailhead
is about
another
4
miles up
Catalina Highway at the Soldier Camp access road. The Catalina
Highway is paved and suitable for passenger cars, but it may be snow-covered
in winter
when chains
or 4-wheel drive may be required.
Notes:
A couple of springs along this trail provide water during
wetter months of the year. Purification of water is recommended
prior to
use.
When hiking or horseback riding in remote areas, go with
a companion whenever possible. Always tell someone
where you’ve
gone and when you expect to return.
Before using this trail, call the Santa Catalina Ranger
District for current trail conditions which can vary
with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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