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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Soldier Trail #53
This trail follows the route of an old road and power line
from the Catalina Highway to the site of a now-abandoned prison camp
beside the Highway. The camp has been razed and the power line removed,
while the road has been closed and is being allowed to return to a
natural condition. The trail follows portions of this old route and
provides access to an excellent example of Sonoran desert habitat that
is conveniently close to Tucson. As the trail winds up the mountain,
it visits a few ridge tops that provide good views back toward the
city before dropping into Soldier Canyon, where there are some picturesque
waterfalls when the stream is running. The boulder-strewn cascades
over which those falls tumble are pleasant to spend a few moments by
even when they are dry.
The trail’s rating is moderate, as is its length, and it is
relatively easy to follow from beginning to end. In a few places,
however, spur
paths that lead to overlooks or other off-trail places
of interest have developed through repeated use and could prove a
bit confusing. The trail
ends at a the western limit the old prison camp, from which
it is a short walk on the road to a closed gate that marks the trailhead.
Attractions:
Desert setting
Views of Tucson
Rocky canyon
Convenient location
Short and moderate
Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 3,200'-4,900'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Agua Caliente Hill
Access: Upper trailhead–Drive up the Catalina
Highway to the turnoff into the old prison camp
beyond milepost 7. Turn left and follow the
road to a closed gate that marks
the trailhead.
Lower trailhead–This trailhead is located on
the north side of the Catalina Highway
about a mile from the bottom of the
mountain.
Notes:
2.5 miles of this trail are within
the Pusch Ridge 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.
Water can be found in the drainages
along the trail only during
the wettest months of the year. 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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