Winter hiking in the Santa Rita Mountains

The trek to Yoas Mountain is also in The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert, and is worth checking out. The footpath is narrow and occasionally steep for short distances, but overall the trail is fairly easy. You will top out on top of Yoas Mountain, which Betty Leavengood calls Little Elephant Head. The hike to Elephant Head Saddle is also in the book, The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert.  A detailed description of how to find this path is in the text. While not easy, you will be treated to waterfalls and running water if there has been snow and recent rainfall.View the list ยป
The Quantrell Mine is an easy hike, with great views of the valley to the west of the Santa Ritas. You will walk through dramatic stands of ocotillo, especially if you go when they are in bloom. The Quantrell Mine ruins are interesting, and it is worth checking out the history before you go. Try The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert for a lesson in mining history.

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Hiking in the Santa Rita Mountains in the winter often means hiking in the snow, especially if you are aiming for the higher elevations. Mt. Wrightson often has snow well into June, especially on north facing slopes. Icy patches can make the trail nearly inaccessible.

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If you want to hike, but prefer to avoid snowy trails, there are a number of trails to try that keep you out of the snow, and are perfect winter hikes as they have little to no shade.

There are at least five hikes to try beginning on the west side of the Santa Ritas. All are accessed from the same area. Take your pick depending on your fitness level. The trail to the Quantrell Mine is easy, whereas climbing to the top of Elephant Head Butte is the most difficult. The hike to Yoas Mtn. is also easy, with the trek to Elephant Head Saddle in the middle of difficulty levels.

View the list
  • The Quantrell Mine is an easy hike, with great views of the valley to the west of the Santa Ritas. You will walk through dramatic stands of ocotillo, especially if you go when they are in bloom. The Quantrell Mine ruins are interesting, and it is worth checking out the history before you go. Try The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert for a lesson in mining history.
  • The hike to Elephant Head Saddle is also in the book, The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert.  A detailed description of how to find this path is in the text. While not easy, you will be treated to waterfalls and running water if there has been snow and recent rainfall.
  • The trek to Yoas Mountain is also in The Hiker’s Guide to the Santa Rita Mountains by Betty Leavengood and Mike Liebert, and is worth checking out. The footpath is narrow and occasionally steep for short distances, but overall the trail is fairly easy. You will top out on top of Yoas Mountain, which Betty Leavengood calls Little Elephant Head. 
View the list

, Santa Rita Mountains Outdoor Recreation Examiner

Ms. Strader is 40-year resident of Southern Arizona. She began her Forest Service career as a fire fighter in the Santa Rita Mountains which was the beginning of her dedication to learning as much as she could about the mountains she used to protect. ...

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