Oak Tree Canyon

Total Miles
3.8

Elevation

1,503.50 ft

Duration

0.75 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Oak Tree Canyon is on the historic Empire Ranch, which is now known as the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. This section features expansive mountain views, craggy peaks, and a visit to a historical site. The conservation area hosts a working ranch, so you might encounter a few cows. Thus, it's important to leave gates as you find them. Pronghorns, mule deer, and bobcats are also prevalent in the area, as are black-tailed prairie dogs. This area is popular for ATVs and has large easy-access camping areas for RVs. Most of the trail is a hard-packed dirt road.

Photos of Oak Tree Canyon

Oak Tree Canyon
Oak Tree Canyon

Difficulty

The road is flanked by sparse vegetation, with scrubby bushes and cacti dotting the sandy terrain. While there are a few rough and bumpy areas, it is unlikely 4WD will be needed. Rain or snow could affect the road, so definitely check the weather conditions before you head out.

History

The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for 140 years. Its rich history includes successive ownership by two prominent ranching families, two corporations, and finally by the federal government on behalf of the general public. The Empire Ranch Headquarters is magnificently situated in the high Sonoran Desert and rolling grasslands of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA), located just 50 miles southeast of Tucson, and 10 miles north of Sonoita.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

From Tucson, go east on Interstate 10 for 23 miles to State Route 83. Turn right onto SR 83 and continue 19 miles to Historic Empire Ranch Road (Bureau of Land Management Road 6900). Turn left onto Historic Empire Ranch Road and continue 3 miles to Bureau of Land Management Road 6901 to a "T" junction. There, turn left onto Bureau of Land Management Road 6901 and follow the sign to Oak Tree Canyon. From Sonoita, go north on Route 83 for 6.6 miles to the paved road on your right between milepost 39 and 40. Watch for the brown Historic Empire Ranch sign on the right side of the highway. Turn east (right) onto the paved road and follow for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House on your left. Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don't travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

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