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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Dutch John Trail #91
This pleasant trail leads from Bog Springs Campground to
a cool, grassy area of seeps and springs tucked away
in a small canyon on the slopes of Mt. Wrightson. From the trailhead
near the parking
lot at the rear of Bog Springs Campground, the trail
climbs steadily, following first one shallow drainage and then another
as it winds its
way through a forest of silverleaf oaks. Lower stretches
of the trail are shaded by a stand of evergreen oaks that have grown
exceptionally
tall for trees which are usually sufficiently stunted
by their desert surroundings to be referred to as “scrub.” Higher up the
mountain the trail drops into Dutch John Canyon, where it continues
its climb to a pleasantly moist area marked by a busted-out old spring
catchment. White-barked sycamores and grizzled alligator junipers shelter
these upper portions of the trail and provide homes and travelways
to the diverse collection of songbirds for which the Santa Ritas are
famous. Coues white-tailed deer are also frequently seen in the area,
as is an occasional black bear. If those members of the local wildlife
community aren’t cooperating, you can always catch a good view
of Mt. Wrightson from about halfway up the trail.
Some guide books list Dutch John Spring as the destination
for this trail; however, a spring marked Dutch John is
located just off the trail at about the halfway mark.
At this point it’s obvious
that the trail continues up-mountain to a second spring where you’ll
find a good spot to have lunch and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Attractions:
Close to campground
Pleasant and easy
Cool wooded setting
Many bird species
Riparian habitat
Season: All year
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 4,820'-6,020'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Mt. Wrightson
Access: Leave Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera
Canyon Exit. Turn east and follow the signs 12.5
miles to Bog Springs Campground in Madera Canyon Recreation
Area. Turn left into the campground
and drive about 0.5 mile to the trailhead.
Notes:
Water is available at Dutch John Spring. Purification
of water is recommended prior to use.
One mile of this trail is within the Mt.
Wrightson Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment,
including mountain bikes, are not permitted
in Wilderness. See the Wilderness section
of this guide for more wilderness
rules and ethics.
The trail is rated More difficult because
it is a bit steep. (We describe it
as moderate because it’s
short.)
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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