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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Cañada del Oro Trail #4
This old trail follows the drainage of the Cañada del Oro, or
Canyon of Gold, down the north slopes of Mt. Lemmon toward the town of
Oracle. Besides being the site of a legendary lost gold mine, this canyon
seems a bit lost itself. Down the slopes of Mt. Lemmon it flows almost
due north toward Oracle, but after the cañada breaks out onto
the broad flat valley at the mountain’s base it turns south and
heads towards Tucson.
The usual way of accessing this trail is via a maintenance
road along the underground powerline which supplies electricity
to the ski resort and observatory at the
top of Mt. Lemmon. The trail leaves the powerline right-of-way in the vicinity
of Shovel Spring and drops into the West Fork of the Cañada del Oro. Once
it reaches the broad canyon floor the trail follows the gentle gradient of the
streambed in the shade of the stately old sycamores and cottonwoods. Samaniego
Ridge to the west and the Reef of Rocks to the east form the rims of the canyon
and frame the view of the canyon’s lower reaches and the Black Hills north
of Oracle. Where the east fork of the canyon joins the west, the Red Ridge Trail
#2 branches off toward an old outpost named Catalina Camp. A similar group of
mining digs and an old adobe outbuilding are located along the canyon floor at
Coronado Camp. A common destination for travelers along this trail is the 4-wheel
drive road (FR 736) which drops down into the canyon from Charoleau Gap. Some
hikers continue all the way to the Burney Mines area.
Though there is ample evidence of human activity here,
this area in some ways is more remote than the wilderness nearer
to Tucson. Fewer trails lead
into
it and fewer people visit it.
Attractions:
Big canyon
Sycamores and cottonwoods
Old mines and shacks
Views to the north
Mountains to desert diversity
Season: Spring, summer, fall
Length: 7.7 miles
Elevation: 4,800'-7,600'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Oracle
Access: Follow the Catalina Highway to the top. Just before
the road comes to the Steward Observatory,
it passes a parking lot on the left. Park here
and continue
down the Mt. Lemmon Trail #5 and the Sutherland Trail
#6 to the Cañada
del Oro Trail junction.
Access is also available via Charoleau Gap Road (4-wheel
drive). Drive north from Tucson on AZ 89 (the Oracle
Road) about 23 miles to Golder
Ranch Road.
(This intersection is marked by a traffic light).
Turn east, travel about 1 mile, then
turn north on Lago del Oro Road. Travel about 2 miles
to a dirt road (FR 736) that turns east toward the riverbed.
Follow this road left
at a private
property
sign, through the river bed and up and over Samaniego
Ridge.
Notes:
The Catalina Highway is paved and suitable for passenger
cars but may be snow covered in winter when chains
or 4-wheel drive may be required.
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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