Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South of Sutherland Wash, you'll almost immediately see a sign for the Birding
Trail to the right. The wide trail, like most of the lower trails in this area, meanders
through a mesquite bosque (woodland), and you can appreciate how thorny the mes-
quite tree is. Its bean-like pods bear seeds that were ground into flour to provide
southwestern Native Americans with sustenance. Nowadays, you're most likely to en-
counter the gastronomy of mesquite as a natural flavor of bee honey or smoked meat.
After about 0.2 mile the trail reaches the Birding Trail Loop, described here going
left (south), though you can go either way. Barely 0.1 mile beyond, the trail crosses
the usually dry Montrose Wash and begins to climb steps fashioned from railroad ties
to the top of a small mesa. Frequent signs describe the natural history of the area;
there are also benches to rest on, and fine Pusch Ridge views.
The best time for photographs of sunlight on Pusch Ridge is in the 2 hours before
sunset, which coincides with one of the two best times for birding and animal-watch-
ing (the other is the hours after sunrise). After strolling around the small mesa, walk
down another set of stairs, recross Montrose Wash, and rejoin the trail, heading left
(north) back to the parking area.
Nearby Attractions
Another worthwhile loop is the informatively signed
Romero Ruins Interpretive
Trail,
an easy 0.75-mile walk that passes a saguaro with more than 30 arms, and loops
through the indistinct foundations of a small Hohokam village and the more obvious
remnants of the Romero ranch. The trail leaves from the right side of the park road,
about halfway between the entrance and the trailhead described earlier. A picnic area
across the road provides parking.
Two miles north of the park, the nonprofit
Western National Parks Association
(12880 N. Vistoso Village Dr., Oro Valley; 520-622-6014,
wnpa.org
) sells Tucson's
widest variety of outdoor books, along with field guides, maps, music, hiking equip-
ment, and authentic Native American crafts and jewelry. Hours are
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. They also offer free lectures and sell workshops
and tours. Reach the store by turning north from Catalina State Park on Oracle Road,
driving 1.7 miles to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, turning left (west), and driving 0.3
mile to Innovation Park Drive. Turn left here and drive 0.25 mile; the store is on your
left.
