Arizona Trail Passage 5: Santa Rita Mountains

AZT Passage 5: Santa Rita Mountains is a 13.5-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Gardner Canyon Road to Oak Tree Canyon, near the town of Sonoita, AZ and is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 5 traverses the northeastern foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains. Located in southeastern Arizona, the Santa Rita Mountains are rich in biodiversity and home to black bears and bobcats!This section features expansive mountain views, craggy peaks, and a visit to a historical site. It consists of single and doubletrack trails that rise and fall across an alternating terrain of grasslands and dense forests of juniper, oak and manzanita. The trail crosses canyons and traverses scenic ridgelines with views of Mount Wrightson's pyramid peak in the distance. This section passes through Kentucky Camp, which consists of a collection of buildings that were established as a base of operations for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company in 1904. It has since become a historic site that is maintained by the Forest Service and volunteers. Facilities at the camp include potable water, electrical outlets, and a toilet. The Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) passes right through the camp, and it is a perfect place to take a break. WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.Potable water may be available at Kentucky Camp. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgCoronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District, 303 Old Tucson Rd., Nogales, AZ 85621 (520) 281-2296Friends of Kentucky Camp: www.kentuckycamp.orgBLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.