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Get some cardio after birding and a great view of the wildlife refuge with a quick trail up to the top and back.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.8

KM

77%

Runnable

4,470' 1,363 m

High

3,543' 1,080 m

Low

927' 283 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Bring field glasses for some great views of the numerous birds.

Description

At the well-marked trail intersection with the Arivaca Creek Trail, pop out of the riparian vegetation and put the field glasses away. Runners will quickly find a desert scene with tall grass among the mesquite trees and cactus. The trail surface is rocky and well defined.

With quick feet—and hands—dodge the numerous rocks on the trail surface, fixed and loose, and the brush that constantly pokes, grabs, and rips at your skin and clothes. The trail gently ascends a ridge, passing through a barbed wire fence, climbing over a saddle, and eventually wrapping around to the back side of the mountain to make the final steep ascent to the summit for a great 360-degree view of the area.

After you are done taking in the views, simply run back down the mountain, unpack the field glasses before entering into the riparian stream, and get a few more views of the birds as you make your way back to the trailhead on the Arivaca Creek Trail.

Flora & Fauna

White tail deer, mule deer, and road runners can be found here. The information signs at the trailhead is a great source for the local flora & fauna. It's a Wildlife Preserve, so there should be some visible critters!

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Freeman

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#31320

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#1,044

in Arizona

#31,320

Overall
4 Views Last Month
249 Since Feb 16, 2018
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Photos

On top of El Cerro looking to the west.
Feb 14, 2018 near Tubac, AZ

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