Description of the AZ Trail Hike
off Box Canyon Road
The hike described here is a round trip of about 4.6 miles
through National Forest land. This is an easy hike made
moderate only by its length and a couple ascents with loose
rocks. It is an out and back hike on the same trail.
The hike meanders through grasslands
dotted with oaks and junipers. There is evidence of
a fairly recent wildfire in the area. The terrain is
rolling and there are some climbs and some descents but nothing
too long or grueling. Part of the trail merges with a jeep trail.
The hike described here requires passing through two gates (gate 1, gate 2) that must be closed
again after passing through them. The trails is
periodically marked with NFS trail
marker signs but we found one instance where a sign was down at a critical turn in the trail.
This hike offers nice views of the grassy meadows and beautiful
views of the Santa Ritas, Whetstones, Rincons and the
Huachucas. There is a rocky
wash at the turning around point of the hike that has
enough flat rocks to offer everyone
a place to sit and eat some lunch.
Note that there are no toilet facilities
associated with this hike. The nearest toilet facilities
are in businesses in Sonoita, AZ about 10 miles away.
In early January of 2015 when I last did this hike there were
many birds to see in mixed flocks as we hiked the trail.