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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail begins at the same trailhead as Finger Rock Canyon Trail. Shortly (within 50 yards) you'll come to a junction and you'll take the right trail up to Pontotac. At one time the Pontatoc Ridge Trail was called the Old Spanish Mine Trail. There are some old abandoned mines at the end of the trail. Be careful around these dangerous old mines if you happen to travel up to them. The Pontatoc Ridge Trail branches off the Pontatoc Trail about 0.8 miles from the trailhead. You'll climb out of the canyon and head up to the ridge top and to follow it north to Pontatoc Saddle. At the saddle you have great views of Tucson and the Santa Rita and Tucson Mountains. You'll also get a closer look at the Pontatoc Cliffs and the abandoned mine shafts. Trailhead: Drive north from Tucson to 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. (Lat:32.33705 Lon:-110.91053) Trail Guides for Pontatoc Ridge Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District - (520) 749-8700 - www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Benesh, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mark Beans on 4/10/2005 Tremendous scenic view of most of Tucson. The view of Finger Rock is also beautiful. There are metal plates marking the turn off for the Pontatoc ridge trail from both the Finger Rock trail and the Canyon trail. As you approach the saddle the trail is pretty hard to follow, look for the rock cairns. You really don't want to loose the trail on this one. It is amazing to think that people actually worked the mines up there! They must have used some heavy equipment because you can see the drill hole remants from their blasting back in the mine. Don't let the bats hit you in the face if you go in (the floor is very solid and relatively level). The area around the opening of the main mine shaft is very treacherous with a drop of 150' or more. 
Reviewed by jery hall on 11/21/2004 i would like to know more about. the old spanish mines. what did they mine. what was the old cotton. camp. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||