Arizona Trail Passage 12: Oracle Ridge

AZT Passage 12: Oracle Ridge is a 15.5-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Marshall Gulch Trailhead to American Flag Ranch Trailhead and is located northeast of Tucson, AZ and south of Oracle, AZ. It is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 12 includes a short road walk and resupply opportunity in the mountaintop community of Summerhaven, followed by a long descent down Oracle Ridge to the historic American Flag Ranch. This section begins in Summerhaven, skirts an old mining area, and drops into ranching country. It goes through oak-studded grasslands with expansive views, and passes by two historical sites: High Jinx Ranch, which was once owned by Buffalo Bill Cody and is currently open to visitors, and American Flag Ranch, which is known for being the oldest territorial post office building in Arizona The Oracle Ridge Trail (#1) rolls across loose, rocky terrain, and although the trail descends more than 3,000 feet, prepare for a few short, steep climbs along the way. Temperatures increase as the trail lowers in elevation and there is little shade and water on this exposed ridgeline. But, as the trail descends the north side of the Santa Catalinas it features expansive views in all directions, making it just as beautiful as it is challenging. DIRECTIONSThe route follows Forest Road 10 into the mountaintop community of Summerhaven.From Summerhaven the route crosses Catalina Highway.Turn left onto Forest Road 38 (Control Road). Continue due north on the Oracle Ridge Trail (#1).Continue along the Cody Trail (#9) to the end of the passage at the American Flag Trailhead.WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgCoronado National Forest: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado, 1-(520) 749-8700.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.