This is a fun loop that drops down to two points along the Gila River. When water is flowing, these points serve as sandy beaches. The trail follows mostly dry sandy washes, but an east-west section along the river climbs and descends along a challenging rocky road that circles around scenic South Butte. You’ll pass ruins of a stone cabin and visit a functioning railroad trestle. We took our RZR on this trip and had a ball. Great boulder-encircled camp spot and staging area at the beginning. Carry a State Trust Land permit (see page 16).
(520) 258-7200Bureau of Land Management, Gila District, Tucson Field Office
Check the WeatherNo updates yet.
Provide an Update12/9/17
Submitted by Gil Bensinger
One of my favorite local trails. Between waypoint, #4 and #5, say mile ~12.5, there is a new “social” trail that leads away from S. Butte, heading slightly to the south. It is a bit deceiving at first. Took me a bit too long to realize my mistake (my own fault), and double back to the correct trail. No harm no foul, except some new pinstripes :). However, this social trail does lead into deep sand (which could be a problem for others). I did not follow it to its end as the brush narrows considerably.
