Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
532.00 ft (162.15 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
12.50 mi (20.12 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

AZT Passage 7: Las Cienegas is a 12.5-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Lakes Road to Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead and is located southeast of Tucson, AZ. This section features singletrack trail,  beautiful desert scenery, and expansive views. It is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. 

Passage 7 crosses the valley between the Santa Rita and Rincon Mountains. The trail follows a singletrack path that rolls up and down grassy hillsides through fields of ocotillo, prickly pear cactus and creosote bush, and features spectacular views of the Empire Mountains to the east. 

Mesquite trees, barrel cactus and cholla line the singletrack trail that dips in and out of sandy washes, crosses dirt and paved roads, and uses culverts to traverse underneath Highway 83 and Interstate 10. Overall the terrain is fairly easy with only a few short climbs and a gentle descent to the north.

NOTE: The Lakes Road Trailhead is not directly accessible by vehicles. However, there is an access point about .6 miles west of the trail along a two-track road.  

DIRECTIONS
From Lakes Road the trail heads northeast past the Twin Tanks.

It crosses several roads and goes under Highway 83 at a culvert. 

It crosses the Old Sonoita Highway and then joins a two-track road.

It heads north up to Interstate 10 and crosses under the highway.

It climbs up onto a ridgeline and follows that to the Davidson Canyon Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead.

WATER
Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

  • Arizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.org

  • Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District, 303 Old Tucson Rd., Nogales, AZ 85621   (520) 281-2296

  • BLM Information Center  (602) 417-9300.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Expansive Views. Desert Scenery. Vast Landscapes.

Cons

Highway Culverts.

Trailhead Elevation

4,078.00 ft (1,242.97 m)

Highest point

4,200.00 ft (1,280.16 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Wildflowers
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

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