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 Reporter |
Summary: A long and scenic loop hike on the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains which combines several legs of rarely used and remote trails. The hike starts up Cave Creek Canyon and follows the jeep road, which will turn into a foot trail after a mile or so. Cave Creek Canyon Trail leads from Cave Creek Basin to Florida Saddle and the northern end of the Santa Rita Crest. From Florida Saddle follow the Crest Trail to Baldy Saddle. This leg of the hike is the most spectacular because it traverses the eastside of the crest with unhindered views into the canyons, drainages and surrounding mountain ranges. At Baldy Saddle turn left onto the Super Trail and follow it to its junction with Gardner Canyon Trail. Follow Gardner Canyon to its trailhead at a jeep road. Follow the jeep road for about 0.5 miles to its intersection with the a trail linking Cave Creek and Gardner Canyons , it is well marked and on the north side of the road. Follow it for 0.4 miles back to your car. Trailhead: From Tucson follow I-10 east to AZ 83. Follow AZ 83 south for about 21 miles to the Gardner Canyon Road exit (the exit is 4 miles north of Sonoita) turn west onto Gardner Canyon Road, which becomes FS 92 at the forest boundary. Keep to the left at three-quarters of a mile and take the right fork at 4 miles around a piece of private property. Stay on FS 92 for a total of about 9 miles until you reach a junction in the road with a sign marking the Gardner Canyon Link Trail, park here. To get to this point you will need a four wheel drive vehicle. If you do not have a 4X4 you can get to within one mile of this spot with a high clearance vehicle. (Lat:31.71 Lon:-110.8) Trail Guides for Cave Creek - Gardner Canyon Loop: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Hiking Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona by Bob and Doty Martin (Pruett Publishing Co.) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, 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 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nadene on 10/12/2007 Did this last year and got lost. Keep your head down.. the trail marker was written on a small rock on the ground. While trying to watch our step cause of ALL THE ROCKS! we missed the one that pointed us back to the trailhead. We ended up off the trail and having to double back a good hour. Other than that the scenery was very nice. Park Rangers may want to reconsider this type of indicator as I think it could be moved. 
Reviewed by Beth on 11/16/2006 Due to recent floods and fires this trail is unexcessable, unless you feel like ditching around the fence. If you where to do that you would see how nature has taken back her domain. Starting from the Cave Creek side you would see trees where the road used to be and a deep gap of a new forged waterway. Although I greive for my long time favorite hike, I am overjoyed to see how quickly the area has recovered and excited to see a new version of the land. 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, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||