Santa Rita Mountains
The Santa Rita Mountains are the fourth highest of the sky island mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and they rise nearly 6,000 feet above the desert floor. They are extremely rugged with steep slopes, sharp peaks, and narrow ridges. Much of the vegetation is pine forest mixed into oak-pine forest at lower elevations. Several of the deeper canyons have perennial streams and well-developed riparian communities.
Northernmost mountain range within the Nogales Ranger District. Includes the popular Madera Canyon.
General Information
Recreation Sites
Agua Caliente #140
Provides access to the upper slopes of Mt. Hopkins, the second most prominent peak in the Santa Ritas. The Agua Caliente Trail winds 5.2 miles along the north slopes through a cool forest of…
Armour Spring #71
The Crest Trail stretches between Florida Saddle at the head of Florida Canyon and the 9,453-foot summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas and one of the highest in southeastern…
Bog Springs #156
This is a very pleasant .9 mile one-way moderate hike along a rocky uphill trail through green grasses, big trees, and long-distance views. It is located conveniently close to Bog Springs…
Bog Springs Campground
Site Open
Bog Springs offers some exceptional scenery, either right from your campsite or a short walk away. Many visitors unfamiliar with Arizona will be surprised by the high grasslands that climb the…
Box Canyon Road #62 Scenic Drive
Here’s an excellent little drive that will add another perspective to your appreciation of the Santa Rita Mountains. Most people who come to this popular mountain range hustle right to Madera…
Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead
The Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead provides access to Casa Blanca Canyons #161 (Arizona National Scenic Trail Passage 4), which climbs to the northwest. An underpass near the trailhead also provides…
Casa Blanca Canyons #161
This 20.8-mile trail, Passage 4 of the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZNST), begins 4 miles north of Patagonia at the Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead. A kiosk at the trailhead has a map and…
Cave Canyon #149
Cave Canyon Trail leads from Cave Creek Basin to Florida Saddle and the northern end of the Santa Rita Crest. Florida Saddle is one of the two main trail hubs in the Santa Ritas. Trails radiate from…