|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes you to one of the summits (6249 ft) of the Atscosa Mountains. The relatively steep rocky trail takes you directly to an old abandoned lookout tower. The trail starts out in thickets of agave and ends up in a forest of pinon and junipers. On a clear day the views from the summit are spectacular. You will be able to see the Baboquivaris, the Sierrita Mts, the Santa Rita Mts, and deep into northern Mexico. If you are in the area this hike is a very worthwhile and rewarding endeavor. Trailhead: To get to the trailhead follow I-19 south past Rio Rico to the Pena Blanca Lake turn off. Follow Ruby Road for about 12 miles to a large dirt parking area and FS trail marker 100. (Lat:31.40493 Lon:-111.14698) Trail Guides for Atascosa Lookout: FS Trail 100: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason on 9/25/2011 Favorite hike of my wife and I, so sad the tower was destroyed!
Reviewed by Steve on 6/10/2011 Hello...There is a movement afoot to rebuild the tower. Go to the Tucson hikers on yahoo groups to see comments and progress.
Reviewed by Devastated on 6/8/2011 Yesterday, June 7, 2011, the historic tower burned in spite of the valiant efforts of almost 500 firefighters working the Murphy Fire which is now at 67,000 acres. The crew desperately tried to protect the tower while also literally saving Tubac and Rio Rico communities. We in the community have been overwhelmed at the heroism of these crews and we hikers so appreciated the fact that fire management made saving the tower such a high priority. However, it was simply not possible once the Pajarita fire came up from the south and joined the Murphy Fire. The good news is that the desert will be beautifully green after the first monsoons, so take the hike anyway. The views will still be spectacular. 
Reviewed by Jennifer on 3/3/2010 Hike done on 2/22/10. Rather nasty rainy and sleety conditions for most of the hike, with a few beautiful breaks in the haze. Very thankful to have the lookout as a brief warming statuin. I'm a woman accustomed to backcountry alone, but would not really recommend going out alone as I did to anyone not from the area. I only saw one person coming down off the hike, and the solitude was great, but at the very least you need a well trained dog with you on this one.
Reviewed by Jose on 2/15/2010 I am very interested in hiking the Atascosa Mountains, according to the pic's ,so far I know there is an easy trail to get to the top to the look out tower, so please let me know if there is a hiking program to the Atascosa mountains thank you.
Reviewed by Matthew on 6/5/2008 Home is Az but I work in the country of Qatar. Before every R&R I make a list of things that I want to do. I didn't have High hopes for finding this FireTower but I did. I unloaded my ATV at Lake Pena Blanka and Ruby was going to be the first stop. Well, Ruby was great and I ask "SunDog", Ruby's caretaker, if he knew where the Tower was. He gave me directions and at 3:15 I found the trail. This was on May 22, 08' and for those that remember a wind storm was blowing in. Really cooled down. Anyway, I started the hike even though it was late and the weather was iffy. I have a hard time making myself turn around. Anyway, really kept a hard pace to make it to the the top. Well, that was one of the highlights of my trip home. Can't wait to ca
Reviewed by RGB on 4/11/2008 Hiked on March 31, 2008. Dirt parking lot is on the left just BEFORE the 5 mile marker. Perfect weather, great views, blooming flowers. I second the previous suggestion for two hiking sticks/poles and also recommend Ibuprofen for those with sensitive joints. There is a great view of the fire tower just as you pass the second Ocotillo "forest" and again as you go through the gate at the beginning of the hike. Look to the right of the large "yellow" mountain.
Reviewed by BJP on 3/31/2008 Our hiking group from Green Valley did this one on March 27, 2008. It was a warm day, but we took it slow and enjoyed all the wonderful scenery and beautiful wildflowers. I have hiked to the summit of Mt. Wrightson several times, but I enjoyed the more up-close scenery on this hike so much more! I would suggest two hiking sticks for this climb - especially helpful on the coming down! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Santa Cruz County Hiking, Santa Cruz County Trails, Santa Cruz County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
