Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
This loop takes you far from the desert and into thick and beautiful forests of sy-
camores, oaks, and pines. The Santa Rita Mountains are riddled with springs and
streams that provide year-round moisture and support healthy woodlands. You pass
three springs on this trail, at least two of which should have water year-round, but
carry drinking water as the spring water is not clean. The streams are somewhat more
intermittent, but they're gorgeous when they flow after snowmelt and after monsoon
rains.
Route Details
The trailhead, with a map board, is on the east side of the Madera Picnic Area. Climb a
narrow, rocky trail through mixed oak-juniper forest with agaves and yuccas scattered
about. After 100 yards, join a wider trail and bear right (southeast); after another 100
yards, the trail forks left (east) again at a post with no sign on it. (Maybe this post will
be removed or a sign will be restored—hang tough.) Here, go left and walk along the
right side of a normally dry draw. The trail becomes rocky and somewhat faint but
keeps heading east.
About 0.3 mile from the trailhead, the trail reaches a very rough dirt road. Here, if
you take the road left (north), you'll drop down into the dry draw and hike up to Bog
Springs Campground, 0.1 mile away. If you're camping, there is a signed trailhead
with a map board for Bog Springs Trail, and you could begin from here.
