PicturedUpper Javelina Trail

Hiking the Tortolita Mountains and Tortolita Preserve

Discover magnificent desert vistas, rustic ruins, Sonoran Desert wildlife and vegetation, and ancient petroglyphs when you hike the Tortolita Mountains, a hiker's paradise in the middle of Marana. Hikers have many different options to explore, with it all being a short drive away from Marana, Oro Valley, and Tucson!

Getting to the Tortolita Mountains

Most of the Tortolita Mountain trails being at the Wild Burro Trailhead, just down the road from The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. From Interstate 10, follow Tangerine Road to Dove Mountain Road, until you see a roundabout. Take the first exit from the roundabout, pass through the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain’s entrance gate, and the trailhead parking lot will be on the right. There are restrooms and a picnic ramada at the trailhead. Also, be sure to check out the “Hiked It and I Really Liked It” mural, painted in 2023 by local artist Joshua Woodhall! The Wild Burro Trailhead is located at 14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658.

PicturedWild Burro Trailhead

How Challenging are the Tortolita Mountain Trails?

All of the trails in the Tortolitas involve elevation changes, with some steep, rocky sections. Trail elevations range from 2,800 to 4,300 feet. Generally, trails are moderately challenging, with some easier trails and some more difficult ones. Many of the trails interconnect with each other, so there is a lot of flexibility as far as distance and challenge level go. Some of the trails even offer scenic vista points earlier on, so it’s possible to get a shorter hike in, while still seeing some amazing scenery.

Wild Burro Trail

Most of the Tortolita Mountain Trail System stems from the Wild Burro Trail, which follows a wash down a canyon. You’ll start by walking along the wash, past the ruins of an old homestead, and climb up a steep, rocky hill to reach Alamo Spring. There, you’ll find several mortar holes, which were used by native peoples in ancient times to grind seeds and grains. You’ll then pass through a valley filled with giant saguaros, and if you make the full loop, you’ll come across a site called Goat Corral, with a windmill, watering trough, and other ruins. The full trail is 12.5 miles long, with several shorter options available. Check it out on AllTrails!

Alamo Springs Loop

The Alamo Springs Loop provides for an exhilarating workout, with elevation changes and three distinct parts with their own scenic vistas! Start off from the Wild Burro Trailhead, and after going a little while in the wash, the trail will branch off to the right, where it begins a fairly steep climb up natural stair steps, surrounded by saguaros. At the top, you can see all the way across the Marana valley below to the Tucson Mountains to the West, and an overview of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in the canyon below. The trail then runs along a ridgeline, with views of the canyon and further into the Tortolita Mountains! There are two interpretive displays with benches for you to stop and take a break. After that, take the Alamo Springs Spur Trail back down to the main Wild Burro Trail, which is a nice, flat stroll through the wash and past the ruins of the old homestead, back to the trailhead! The full trail is 5.3 miles long, and makes for a great afternoon hike for most skill levels! Check it out on AllTrails!

Upper Javelina Trail

The Upper Javelina Trail is where you can go for endless panoramic views of Marana, the Tucson Mountains, Tortolita Mountains, Catalina Mountains, Ragged Top and the Silverbell Mountains off to the west, Picacho Peak to the north, and the Santa Rita Mountains in the distance to the south. In case you’re counting, that’s SIX different mountain ranges. Towering, many-armed saguaros, plus views of the world-class Golf Club at Dove Mountain are other highlights of your hike. If you go later in the evening and bring a flashlight for the way down, the pink glow on the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains, and the views of the sunset over Marana on the way down are absolutely legendary. The Upper Javelina Trailhead is located on Boulder Bridge Pass, just past The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. The trailhead is marked with a sign. Head clockwise from the trailhead, where the trail starts a gradual climb across a series of switchbacks. Once you reach the summit of the trail, follow the ridgeline, and keep to the right, or go left to connect with the Wild Mustang Trail. The Upper Javelina Trail then drops back into the canyon, and follows Secret Springs Drive and Boulder Canyon Pass back to the trailhead. Make sure to look towards the west for the best views of the sunset, if you go in the evening! The full trail is a 4.1-mile loop, and is also great for all skill levels. Check it out on AllTrails!

Tortolita Preserve

For an easy, flat walk, bike ride, run, or horseback ride through the desert landscape, but without the steep hills and rocks, visit the Tortolita Preserve! It’s great for birding and nature photography as well. The trailhead is located behind an unlocked cattle gate at the end of Moore Road, off of Dove Mountain Boulevard. The full loop around the preserve is around 9 miles, passing by saguaro cacti and other Sonoran Desert vegetation, with the backdrop of the Tortolita Mountains. You can also do a short loop, which can be accessed by going counterclockwise on the main loop, and turning south after approximately 4 miles. The short loop is 5.4 miles long. Check it out on AllTrails!

Critters & Plants

If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the wild horses that’ve escaped from the area’s ranches and homesteads over the years, or a Sonoran Desert Tortoise lumbering along. You might also see mule deer or javelinas, and are sure to see many desert-dwelling birds, such as roadrunners, verdin, Gila woodpeckers, cardinals, Northern flickers, Abert’s towhees, and more! The Tortolitas are one of Marana’s top destinations for birding.

PicturedA female Northern Cardinal perched on a cholla cactus.

If you visit in the spring or after a good rainfall in the summer, you’ll be treated to a colorful display of many different wildflower species! Lupines, golden poppies, fairy dusters, pink hedgehogs, desert mallows, ocotillos, and many more are sure to add some beautiful color to your pictures! Also, keep your eye out for rare crested saguaros, formed by a little-understood genetic mutation that makes for a very unique growth.

PicturedA Crested Saguaro Cactus

CreditTom Ellis

Hiking Safety

On your hike, please make sure to remember Leave No Trace principles, and practice basic hiking safety by observing these guidelines:

Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Turn around when half of your water is gone.
Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
Make sure to check the weather before you go and do not go if extreme heat or storms are in the forecast.
Make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
Do not approach, handle, or feed wildlife.
Do not remove anything from the trails, including wildflowers, rocks, or archaeological artifacts.
Please keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them.
Don’t cut switchbacks or go off-trail, it can cause erosion and worsen trail conditions.
Practice proper right-of-way etiquette: Everyone yields to horses, downhill hikers yield to uphill hikers and horses, uphill hikers yield only to horses, and cyclists yield to everyone.

Grab a Map and Get Out Into Nature!

Stop by the Marana Visitor Center for a trail map, or download a map HERE. Also, the Marana Parks & Recreation Department hosts regular guided hikes and horseback rides of the Tortolita Mountains and Tortolita Preserve, visit our Events page for more. Find out more about hiking in Marana here, and share your memories on social media with the hashtag #HikedItAndReallyLikedIt!