photo: Mark Flint
Sometimes the greatest escape is in your own backyard. Whether you prefer to hike, mountain bike or horseback ride, you’ll agree that the trails within the Sweetwater Preserve of the Tucson Mountains are among the finest ribbons of dirt close to home.
The Sweetwater Preserve is a prime piece of desert that was purchased by Pima County in an attempt to save it from private development. Steve Anderson and Mark Flint, our local trail gurus, put their heads together to design a trail system throughout the preserve that would appeal to all trail users. No matter what your preferred method of locomotion, Sweetwater is sure to make you smile.
The trail system consists of twelve distinct loops and paths that interconnect for a sort of choose-your-own-adventure. Since each trail is anywhere from 1/2-mile to 1.5 miles in length, it is easy to link them together for a distance and experience that is just right for you. Hikers will enjoy the wide-open vistas and the diversity of Sonoran Desert vegetation, mountain bikers will delight in the sinuous and exciting routes, and horseback riders will appreciate the wilderness experience without having to drive for hours outside the city.
All the trails within the preserve have their own unique character, and only after numerous visits here will you find the route combinations you enjoy most. Because there are so many trail options, you’re less likely to see other trail users during your outing. Huge areas of the preserve have been left untouched by the hands of trail builders, which align with the nature of the preserve.
The area is open daily from dawn to dusk, and dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. Remember that mountain bikers should yield the trail to hikers, and everyone should always give horseback riders the right of way. Please read the Pima County rules and regulations at the trailhead, and enjoy the trail.
Making Your Escape
From I-10, head west on Ruthrauff/El Camino del Cerro. After 2.5 miles, turn left on Tortolita Road and follow it for one mile to the trailhead.
Although there are trail signs within the Sweetwater Preserve, you would be wise to print out a map of the trails before heading out on your adventure. You can get a good one online at SDMB.org/TrailDesc/Sweetwater-Map.pdf.
Matthew J. Nelson is a local outdoor educator, guide and conservationist.
