The U.S. Dept. of the Interior named Wild Burro Trail in southern Arizona one of 21 new National Recreation Trails. Ten other states’ trails were also recognized, most of them in Georgia. Two of the newly listed are water trails. Wild Burro marks the 36th National Recreation Trail in Arizona.
Accessible from the town of Marana’s Dove Mountain area in the Tortolita Mountains trail system, about an hour’s drive south of Phoenix near Tucson, Wild Burro’s new trailhead, complete with washrooms, is just two years old, and leads you 7.12 miles round-trip. Rocky and rugged, this scenic trail is a great spot for bird watching and to see giant saguaro cacti, jumping cholla and other desert plants and animals, as well as the remains of a few stone shacks used by early Arizona cattlemen
Hiking the trail — best in early morning during our hot summers — would be a great way to connect with nature in an area popular with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
If you’d rather stay put in Phoenix, here’s a list of parks where you can also hike for free. Trail maps included.
Deborah Brauser says
Early mornings always have the best colored skies too (and make the best photos!) Sounds like a great outing — and then you won’t feel guilty about coming back to town for a hearty meal. 😉
Alana says
It’s been over 30 years since I’ve been to Phoenix. I have a feeling the city and the area have changed tremendously. Not sure I will be in the area any time soon but I will tweet to get the word out.
Jackie Dishner says
Thanks for visiting my new site, Deborah and Alana. I appreciate your comments. If you have friends or family in Phoenix, or know anyone who might be visiting any time soon, please let them know about us here at Phoenix Living on the Cheap. Thanks!