Arizona Trail Passage 3: Canelo Hills West

AZT Passage 3: Canelo Hills West is a 17.7-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Canelo Pass to Highway 82, near the town of Patagonia and is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 3 continues north through the Canelo Hills. This section features rolling grasslands, chaparral, and a rich riparian environment. The trail follows a singletrack path that winds up several short, steep hills and traverses through gates and dry wash crossings. This section begins with a moderate climb from the Canelo Pass Trailhead up to a saddle with scenic views of rolling hills, shallow canyons and lush grasslands. From here, one is offered panoramic views of the Santa Rita Mountains to the northwest and the Patagonia Mountains to the southwest. The trail drops into the upper end of Meadow Valley and then continues through rolling hills lined with oak and manzanita. Hundreds of plant and animal species thrive in the nearby Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve which makes it possible to catch a glimpse of a rare, violet-crowned hummingbird, a northern beardless-tyrannulet, or a gray hawk! DIRECTIONSFrom the Canelo Pass Trailhead follow signs for the Arizona National Scenic Trail which runs northwest all the way to Casa Blanca Canyon underneath Highway 82.To reach the gateway community of Patagonia, walk along the Patagonia Train Track Trail at Highway 82 for 4.5 miles.CLOSE ALL GATESCattle grazing occurs along this entire passage. Please close all gates unless they are intentionally wired open.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, Sierra Vista Ranger District, 5990 S. Highway 92, Hereford, AZ 85615 (520) 378-0311.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.