KEY INFO
LOCATION Parker Canyon Lake Trailhead to Canelo Pass
DISTANCE 14.5 miles one-way
DAY-TRIP OPTION See turnaround note in the trail description.
SHUTTLE RECOMMENDATION Canelo Road (passage mile 9.0)
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LAND MANAGERS Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado, 520-378-0311
RECOMMENDED MONTHS September–May
GATEWAY COMMUNITY Not applicable
GEOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS Not applicable
Very few outdoor enthusiasts explore the hills north of Parker Canyon Lake. Because they don’t command the respect of higher mountain ranges nearby, the Canelo Hills go relatively unnoticed. But as with many of Arizona’s natural wonders, careful examination reveals incredible beauty. The trail follows a rolling path up and down hills and crosses many arroyos. Although this is not a designated wilderness area, there is little evidence of humans along the trail.
Campsites are plentiful, but water is scarce. It’s a good idea to stock up at the beginning of the passage and leave a cache at Canelo Pass. In springtime, after a wet winter, water may trickle down the network of small canyons crossed by the trail, nurturing lush growth. Grasslands, oak savannahs, and groves of gnarled mesquite provide cover for healthy populations of wildlife, including the Mexican opossum. The trail is easy to follow except in the frequent drainage crossings, where cairns mark the way. Camping is permitted unless signs indicate otherwise.
From the southern access point, northbound travelers should head for the kiosk at the trailhead (at 5,680 feet) and follow an old, rocky road that descends to the west and reaches a CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES sign. A side trail to Parker Canyon Lake leaves the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) here. The AZT heads to the right of the road-closed sign and gradually climbs a ridge where you soon have a view of Parker Canyon Lake, a popular destination for anglers, swimmers, and campers.
Descending for the next 0.1 mile, pass through a gate and continue another 0.1 mile to cross the drainage at the bottom of Parker Canyon. Clear water flows here throughout much of the year.
The AZT goes through another gate and contours above a side canyon, and then crosses it several times over the next 0.5 mile. After passing through another gate, join a drainage heading north for about 100 yards. Head out of the drainage to the left (west) and make a substantial climb to the top of a small ridge.
TURNAROUND NOTE: Ups and downs ensue until a sustained climb begins, lasting until the AZT reaches a saddle—an ideal turnaround spot for day-hikers who haven’t arranged a car shuttle.
The trail descends along steep switchbacks, bottoms out, bends right (north), and starts to climb again. Pass through a gate and top out in a saddle, then bear left (north-northwest) to cross a ridge. To continue on the trail, turn left (west) onto an old road, and climb 0.1 mile to an AZT trail marker (a four-by-four wooden post). From the marker, the road curves to the right (north) and descends gradually to reveal impressive views to the northeast. Follow trail makers through a gate to the left (south). Stay on this new road (FR 4633A) as it bends to the right (west) in about 25 yards.
The AZT follows a rugged, rocky path through the seldom-traveled Canelo Hills.
Near mile 9, you pass a stock tank that sometimes has murky water, then bend to the right (northwest). Stands of sturdy ponderosa pines adorn the trail here. As you descend, a deep forest of pine, juniper, and oak envelops you. In the heart of these woods, turn left (south) onto an intersecting jeep road.
The AZT climbs over a ridge before descending to cross an arroyo. From here, don’t follow the road as it climbs a steep hill to the southwest. Instead, turn right (north-northwest) onto singletrack that dances in and out of a small wash for the next 0.5 mile. The trail starts a committing climb, bends right (north) near the top of a ridge, and continues a gentler climb along a fence to a high point (5,980 feet). From this stretch, the sharp peak of Mount Wrightson, monarch of Passage 5, dominates the horizon to the west-northwest.
As Canelo Pass Road (FR 799) comes into view, pass through a gate in the fence, and begin a switchbacking descent to the west. The trail comes within 20 feet of the road, and then it turns right (north) and climbs to cross the road at mile 14.5, the end of Passage 2. If you are desperate for water, walk onto the road here, turn left, and follow it to the first road sign on your right. Follow the faint jeep track on your right to a dirt tank that may have water.
Although this passage is not particularly technical, it has countless climbs, loose rock, steep grades, and sandy wash crossings. Pedaling with a full load makes it harder still. It’s also a lot of fun, and a rare opportunity for a long bike ride into remote grassland and oak woodland ecosystems. Grazing over the past century has dispersed a mountain biker’s nemesis, catclaw acacia, widely across the landscape. Use a liquid sealant or tubeless system, or plan on patching dozens of punctures along this passage. For more information about mountain biking along the Arizona National Scenic Trail, visit aztrail.org.
From the town of Sonoita, follow AZ 83 south 30 miles to its intersection with FR 48. Turn left (south) onto FR 48, continue 0.5 mile, and turn right onto South Lake Drive. Proceed 0.5 mile to a parking area near an AZT kiosk.
Parker Canyon Lake, marking the beginning of Passage 2, is a pleasant oasis nestled among the oaks.
If you want to hit the trail from here, please follow the trail description in reverse order. From the town of Patagonia, follow Harshaw Road (FR 58) east 14 miles to an intersection where FR 58 makes a 90-degree turn to the right. Avoid this turn and continue straight ahead (northeast) on FR 799. In 5 miles, cross Canelo Pass and continue about 0.5 mile down the other side to a large parking area on the left (west) side of the road. The trail toward Patagonia departs from the right side of a kiosk; the trail arriving from Passage 2 is on the left side of the kiosk.
From the town of Sonoita, follow AZ 83 south for 18 miles to a turnoff on the right for FR 799. Continue 2.9 miles to a parking area on the right that is marked with AZT signs.