Passage #15 - Tortilla Mountains

Location:  Freeman Road to the Gila River

Length:  27.4 miles

Southern Trailhead:  Freeman Road
- GPS Coordinates:  32.87109° N, 110.88256° W

Northern Trailhead:  Gila River - Kelvin Bridge
- GPS Coordinates:  33.10189° N, 110.97485° W

Trail Route Description:  From the Freeman Road Trailhead the route heads to a pipeline road, turns to the north and follows a two-track, and then turns west. It crosses one road and then crosses Haydon Ranch Road. It goes under some high-tension powerlines, crosses two two-track roads and then crosses a gasline road. It then turns to the west, crosses a large wash and begins following a fenceline. After going through a gate the trail turns to the northwest and passes by a large boulder pile. From here the trail continues through the desert, crossing several washes, another road and another gate, just above Tecolote Ranch Road. After crossing this road the trail keeps to the north, crosses under the same high-tension powerlines and joins a road. It follows this road for almost 2 miles and then heads cross-country before joining another road. From here the trail turns north, passes several road junctions and climbs to a gate on a hill. The trail descends down the northeast side of this hill and then follows a drainage to a road. After leaving the road the trail descends down to Ripsey Wash, follows it for a ways and then turns into a side canyon and begins climbing up onto the 'Big Hill'. After switchbacking around the hill the trail heads north-northwest along a ridgeline. It turns to the east and then back due north, and then starts a long descent. After crossing several washes the trail reaches a road and follows it down to the Florence-Kelvin Highway. The route turns to the right on this dirt road and follows it down to the Gila River.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Season(s):  Fall, Winter and Spring

Water:  Water sources are very limited along this passage. Plan to bring your own water. All man made waters tanks and sources can only be used with the consent of the owner.

Notes/Warnings:

• All water along this passage should be purified prior to use.
• Although this passage crosses State Trust Land, a permit is not required as long as you are on or near the Arizona Trail.
• Please respect all livestock operations in this area. Close all gates along the trail.

Resources:

• USGS Topographic Maps: Black Mountain, Crozier Peak, Kearny and Grayback.
• BLM Information Center maps.

For more information, contact:

• The Passage Steward
• Arizona State Land Department, 1616 W. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85007   (602) 542-2506.
• BLM Information Center, One North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004   (602) 417-9300.

Current Trail Information:
7/2008 - No known problems as of this date.