Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from the trailhead. Here, you could continue following the Pontatoc Trail—which
goes straight (east) into Pontatoc Canyon for about 3 miles—or turn hard right (south-
west) onto Pontatoc Ridge Trail #411, the hike described here.
The narrow trail flattens and looks down on the route you've just walked up. Al-
most 0.25 mile from the fork, you'll see large, flat, rocky areas to the right that are
a perfect place to stretch out on for a snack while you admire the view of Tucson's
west side. Downtown is about 8 miles away to the southwest, backed by the Tucson
Mountains.
The trail continues southwest, past the flat rocks, for about 100 yards before it
swings east and starts climbing, with ever-wider views of central Tucson. About 0.2
mile farther brings you to an unusually dense thicket of teddy bear cholla (
Opuntia bi-
gelovii
), a cactus with a thick covering of golden spines. These will attach themselves
to you with the merest touch, giving the plant the nickname “jumping cactus.” Other
closely related species are also known to jump…so beware!
Beyond the cholla thicket, the trail becomes indistinct in areas where it climbs
rocky slabs. Watch for cairns to guide you, and ignore side trails that are crossed with
a line of small rocks to indicate that they aren't the best way. Within a few minutes
you should be on a distinct trail again, still climbing gently. To your left you'll see the
Pontatoc Trail far below, wending its way up the canyon.
About 0.6 mile beyond the teddy bear chollas, the trail crosses a narrow saddle.
Due south of the saddle, you'll have a great view of ruler-straight Swan Road travers-
ing the east side of Tucson to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 10 miles away, and the
Santa Rita Mountains beyond.
