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Date:  November 8, 2005

Location  Bog Springs Loop Hike

Where:  Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona

 

 Jeanette and I fled the heat and congestion of Tucson south to the cooler climes of the Santa Rita Mountains. Here, close to the Mexican border in one of the several small mountain ranges that make up the Coronado National Forest, we discovered Madera Canyon. To say we discovered it is a bit untrue as it was actually recommended to us when we stopped at an information center in Green Valley. Turns out the information was true and we found Madera Canyon to be a mecca for hiking and bird watching. We set up camp in the Bog Springs Campground and on a tip from the volunteer host, chose to hike the Bog Springs Loop.

Jim at the trailhead

Starting at the Bog Springs Campground, and on the advice of the campground host, we took the trail in a counter-clock-wise direction. This route takes you past Sylvester Spring, and Kent Spring before visiting Bog Springs, and then descends back to the campground. Click here to see the BACKPACKER / Tremble Outdoors GPS Hike.

Jeanette at trail junction

We were glad we took lots of water because none of the springs contained drinkable water, and we were also pleased that we had made an early start because the temps became quite warm.

Jim at Bog Springs

The terrain was very interesting and there was a great variety of vegetation that changed as we gained altitude on the trail. At the campground elevation of 5200 feet we found mostly oak, mesquite and juniper. At the higher elevations of over 6000 feet, we found several varieties of pine, with the canyons containing bright yellowing sycamores. Much to our surprise for this time of year, we found an abundance of wild flowers on the upper north slopes. I was able to photograph and later identify Mexican Pink and Franciscan Paintbrush.