Milagrosa measures up

OK, technically that's because the name of the trail is Milagrosa, which is Spanish for miraculous.

Ah, but names are often bestowed with good reason. Many hikers find that the 4.5-mile La Milagrosa Ridge Trail northeast of Tucson does its rugged, rocky, vista-rich best to live up to its handle.

URBAN ESCAPE

One of the trail's little wonders is that - even though it begins not far from houses on the edge of the metro area - it manages to deliver a sense of solitude and wild country.

After walking on a gated road for about half a mile to reach the trailhead, hikers can put city sights out of mind once they've trekked the first mile or two of the 4.5-mile route.

The trail is also popular with experienced mountain bikers, who find challenging passages along the way.

CLIFF-TOP VIEWS

The ridge trail generally follows a broad divide between Agua Caliente and La Milagrosa canyons.

Along the route, hikers get great views into the depths of Agua Caliente Canyon. The canyon itself offers splendid terrain for rambling off-trail tours.

SHORT AND LONG OF IT

For a short outing, hike or ride the first two or three miles from the trailhead and return to the starting point. Following the trail 4.5 miles to a junction with the Bellota Trail and back makes for a nine-mile round trip.

Another possibility, popular with mountain bikers, is to start at the Bellota trailhead - near the Molino Basin Campground along the Catalina Highway - and link the trails.

GET TO THE TRAILHEAD

Take Tanque Verde Road to the Catalina Highway and follow the highway to Snyder Road. Turn right (east) on Snyder and drive 1.3 miles to Avenida de Suzenu. Turn left (north) on Suzenu and follow it a quarter-mile to its end at Horse Head Road.

Park there, pass through a pedestrian gate onto Horse Head Road and walk about a half-mile east to another gate. The trail begins there on the right side the gate.

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