50-Year Trail: Takes hikers, bikers through classic desert terrain

By Doug Kreutz

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

The name — 50-Year Trail — makes it sound as if you're in for a really, really long hike.

But names can be deceiving.

The trail in Catalina State Park — popular with hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders — didn't get its moniker from the time needed to travel it.

Managers of the park north of Tucson say the name stems from a right-of-way agreement that was secured in 1989 for 50 years. The standing joke is that perhaps the name should change every year — which would make it the 32-Year Trail this year.

Well, whatever we choose to call it, the route provides a scenic tour through classic Sonoran Desert vegetation set against a backdrop of the rugged western wall of the Catalina Mountains.

The route meanders, with only moderate elevation gains, northeast about eight miles from the 2,700-foot trailhead at the park's equestrian center.

Many hikers and mountain bikers travel only the first 2.6-mile segment to a trail junction — returning the way they came or on connecting trails.

Remember that this route is in exposed desert terrain. Use sun protection and carry plenty of water. Pets must be leashed.

To reach the trailhead from Tucson, go north on Oracle Road into Oro Valley. The park entrance is at Milepost 81, and you'll pay a $6 per vehicle fee. Once in the park, follow signs to the equestrian center and trailhead.

For more hiking stories, go to go.azstarnet.com/trails.

● Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192.

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