Tortolita Preserve and Trail System

The Tortolita Preserve was established in 2009, to preserve Sonoran Desert monumental-sized Saguaros, Ironwood trees, and habitat that exemplifies desert valley ecosystems. It is located on the Tortolita Fan, part of the Tortolita Mountain Range, in the area of Marana known as Dove Mountain.

The Tortolita Preserve consists of 2,400 acres with nine miles of mostly flat, gentle West-sloping natural desert. This area is thick with native Sonoran Desert vegetation and abundant Saguaro cactus. It is popular for walking, hiking, easy/beginner mountain biking, horse back riding, bird watching, and nature photography. Be sure to sign in at the Marana Parks and Recreation sign-in station at the trailhead inside the preserve at the trailhead. Note: No off-highway vehicles are allowed in Tortolita Preserve.

A portable restroom has been added along with a new parking lot. Read about the improvements here.

There are no drinking fountains here, but there are additional restrooms and drinking fountains 5.5 miles (about 10 minutes) away at the Marana Parks and Recreation-maintained Wild Burro Trailhead at 14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658. Food and beverages are two miles away at Dove Mountain Brewing Company and at The Ritz's casual restaurant, Cayton's Burger Bistro, at Dove Mountain Golf Club.

Get the Tortolita Mountain Trail Guide & Map.

Hike begins at State Land/Moore Road Trailhead

East Boundary Trail along Heritage Highlands & other developments - 2.7 mi
North Boundary Trail along The Gallery Golf Course - 3.5 mi
West Boundary Trail along State Land Trust - 1.5
South Boundary Trail along State Trust Land & the continuation of Moore Road - 1.5 mi

Total miles = 9.2 with 475 foot elevation gain

Photos courtesy of Mark Johnson, Tortolita Alliance