Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
This short loop begins in the desert and drops quickly into Davidson Canyon, which
features the lush and protected riparian habitat of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve.
Three bridges jostle for space over Cienega Creek—two carry Union Pacific Railroad
trains, and the third is for Marsh Station Road (called Frontage Road or Pantano Road
on older maps). It's an unusual synthesis of technology and nature that few people get
to appreciate.
Route Details
The trailhead formerly named for Davidson Canyon was officially renamed in 2012
to honor Gabriel “Gabe” Zimmerman (1980-2011), who was an active user of this
part of the Arizona Trail. Zimmerman, an aide to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Gif-
fords, was one of six people killed on January 8, 2011, when a gunman opened fire
while the congresswoman was conducting a meet-and-greet with Tucson voters. Thir-
teen people were injured, most seriously Giffords, who resigned from her position and
continues to work on her recovery while frequently making appearances in support of
issues important to her.
The trailhead features a pedestrian- and wheelchair-accessible gate with a life-
size plaque of Gabe Zimmerman. Walk a few steps south-southeast on a paved trail to
the intersection with the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT), where you turn sharply
left (north). Before continuing north, check out the photo plaque just beyond the inter-
section, which identifies the Rincon Mountains to the north and lists the names of the
