ORACLE — Golden winter grasses carpet gently rolling hills and hidden hollows along the Mariposa Trail at Oracle State Park.
A trek on the trail is kind of like slipping into the park through the back door.
Beginning at its own trailhead northwest of the park’s main trail system and the historic Kannally Ranch House, the 1.2-mile route offers a “walk-in” alternative to driving into the park.
The Mariposa Trail dips into a hollow near the starting point and then climbs gradually to a grassy hilltop affording good views of the Catalina Mountains to the south and the rugged Galiuro range to the east.
It works its way down another hillside and then meanders southeastward to connect with a network of trails and the park’s main entrance road.
Hikers coming in on the Mariposa might choose to visit the ranch house or link with other trails for a longer hike. By connecting with the Granite Overlook Trail Loop, the Windy Ridge Trail Loop or the Nature Trail Loop, it’s possible to fashion a round-trip trek of several miles.
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Getting there
From Tucson, drive north on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77, and follow Arizona 77 past Oracle Junction to the town of Oracle. It’s about 35 miles or more from Tucson. depending on your starting point.
Turn from the highway onto American Avenue in Oracle and follow American
Avenue through town about 3.5 miles to a signed right turnoff for the trailhead. Park admission is $6 per vehicle.
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