Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
This lovely woodland trail is just far enough away from Tucson that it gets few hikers.
Most stop at the lower spring, and those continuing to the upper spring will either get
lost or find solitude. (Audrey and I managed to do both!)
Route Details
The trailhead, which has an informative map board, is on the east side of Bog Springs
Campground, behind the one restroom in this delightfully simple little campground.
If you aren't camping here, four parking spaces by the trailhead are designated for
hikers only. If you're hiking in from the Madera Canyon Picnic Area, when you get
to the campground, just follow the road around to your right for a couple of hundred
yards to the restroom and trailhead.
From the trailhead, you go east up a rocky trail between two campsites. After less
than 0.1 mile you encounter a gate, which will let you through but keep horses out.
Soon after, you'll cross a small ravine that looks like it should have water in it but
rarely does. The trail, now pleasantly earthen instead of rocky, climbs gently through
mixed woodland, soon reaching a four-strand wire fence on the right that marks one
of the few areas of private land left in the canyon.
The plant life consists mainly of different kinds of oak trees, with agaves, yuccas,
and the occasional lost-looking prickly pear cactus scattered through the woodland.
Many of the oak species don't have the familiar deciduous, lobed leaves. Southern
Arizona's plant life is enhanced by species that are mainly found in Mexico, such as
