Red Ridge Trail #2

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

The upper section is most often used as part of a loop starting from the Summerhaven area, up Summit Rd, down Red Ridge to the fork (leave Red Ridge) to Dan's Saddle (a climb) over to Oracle Ridge Rd (part of the AZT) and back up to Summerhaven. This loop is approximately 8.5 miles and 2750 ft of elevation loss/gain.

The Red Ridge Trail starts at the the top of Mt. Lemmon and heads down to the headwaters of the Canada del Oro. Supposedly, the trail hasn't been maintained since the Roosevelt administration. The trail itself is dark and coniferous and green with lots of ferns.

2019 Update: Red Ridge itself was badly burned in the Aspen fire and the majority of the trail is very exposed. The bottom of the trail is below 5,000 feet and is comprised of juniper and oak scrub land with pockets of riparian habitat. Runners should plan their runs according to the weather condition present at multiple elevations.This trail received some much needed trail maintenance in August of 2019 and is now quite easy to follow. It is also worth knowing this trail is almost 100 years old and was reportedly constructed in the 1920's by the Forest Service.