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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Pontatoc Trail #410 & Pontatoc Ridge Trail #411
There are good views along both of these trails and plenty
of evidence of mining activity left over from the days
when the Santa Catalinas were the focus of extensive mineral exploration.
At one time
the Pontatoc Ridge Trail was even called the Old Spanish
Mine Trail, but don’t look for lost mines here. The reason these mines were
abandoned is because they didn’t “pan out.” Do
be careful around these dangerous old digs which can present a number
of hazards for unsuspecting travelers or those too willing
to take
a risk.
Of the two trails, the Pontatoc Trail goes up the canyon
of the same name, climbing in and out of the canyon bottom
as it becomes more rocky and narrow. This trail presents good views
of the Pontatoc
Cliffs that form a deeply weathered and pockmarked face
on the northeastern horizon. Extensive trampling of the area between
the trailhead and Pontatoc
Canyon has made it difficult to pick out the trail from
all the incidental paths that have developed here, but once the trail
enters the canyon
it becomes easier to follow, at least for a while. Farther
up in the canyon, it again becomes difficult to follow before disappearing
entirely
just beyond a point where it leaves the canyon floor.
The Pontatoc Ridge Trail branches south off the canyon
trail about 0.8 mile from the trailhead. It then climbs
to the ridge top and
changes direction to follow the ridge north to Pontatoc
Saddle. At the saddle you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Tucson lying
at the foot of the Catalinas and stretching toward other mountain ranges
across the basin. You’ll also get a closer look at the Pontatoc
Cliffs and see a trail that leads to the base of those cliffs. Take care
if you follow this trail; or better yet, don’t follow it at all.
It takes a steep and rocky course above a precipitous cliff.
Better to enjoy the views from the more solid footing of the saddle.
Attractions:
Views of tall cliffs and Tucson
Canyon or ridge top route
Historic area
Season: All year
Length: 3.9 miles (#410), 1.8 miles (#411)
Elevation: 3,080'-4,920'
Rating: More difficult
USGS Map(s): Tucson North Use: Heavy
Access: Drive north from Tucson to the Oracle Road (US 89) to Ina Road.
Turn right (east) on Ina and drive about a mile to Skyline Road which
branches off to the south (right). Follow Skyline (have to make a left
to stay on Skyline) to Alvernon Way and turn left (north) to the trailhead
and parking lot at the end of the pavement.
Notes:
3.7 miles of the Pontatoc Trail and all of the Pontatoc
Ridge Trail are in Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
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.
Water can be found in some of the drainages along the
trail during the wettest months of the year only. Purification
of water is recommended prior to use.
When hiking 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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