Pajarita Wilderness
Pajarita is a Spanish word meaning “little bird.” It is an appropriate
name for this 7,420-acre area, for a couple of reasons. For one, the international
border with Mexico forms the area’s southern boundary. For another, the
area’s rugged canyons, which point south toward the subtropical environments
of Mexico and Central America, provide a natural migration route for a surprising
diversity of birds. The lush riparian habitat of Sycamore Canyon, the area’s
most prominent natural feature, also supports a number of resident species.
As many as 160 species of birds have been observed in and around Sycamore Canyon.
Though the area’s rolling hills are predominantly covered with desert
savannas and oak woodlands, its riparian areas are home of an astonishingly
diverse vegetative community. Over 600 species of plants, some of which are
extremely rare, have been identified in these productive habitats. Part of
the Wilderness lies within the Goodding Research Natural Area, established
in this area precisely because of the amazing diversity found here.
Two major trails lead into the Pajarita Wilderness, the only Wilderness in
the Coronado National Forest not located on the high slopes of a mountain
range. The Sycamore Canyon Trail #40 leads downstream in that showplace
of biological
diversity, past riffles and pools that hold water year-round. The Border
Trail #45 skirts the international border from the Summit Motorway, a rough
4-wheel
drive road that parallels the eastern edge of the Wilderness, to a junction
with the Sycamore Canyon Trail #40.
Attractions:
Plant and animal diversity
Great birdwatching
Scenic canyons and lush riparian areas/perennial stream
Oak/woodland hill country
Maps: Coronado National Forest Recreation Map (Nogales and Sierra Vista
Ranger Districts).
USGS Quads: Alamo Springs, Ruby.
Location: 95 miles south of Tucson, 27 miles northeast of Nogales.
(Straight line distances, not road mileages.)
Elevation: 3,800'-4,800'
Access: The Ruby Road, most of which is unpaved but suitable for
passenger cars, leads to the Sycamore Canyon Trailhead and to
the Summit Motorway.
This latter road is a 4-wheel drive road which leads to the trailhead
for the Border
Trail #45.
Trails in Wilderness: Sycamore Canyon #40 and the Border #45.
Notes:
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain
bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Please abide by Wilderness
rules and
observe NO TRACE! ethics.
No camping is allowed within the Goodding Research Natural
Area portion of the Wilderness.
When traveling in remote areas use a topographic map and
compass, go with a companion whenever possible, and always
tell someone
where you’ve gone
and when you expect to return.
Water is available year-round at a limited number of springs
and streams only. Purification of water is recommended
prior to use.
During dry
periods, carry
your own.
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