Location

  • Canelo Pass to Highway 82

Length

  • 17.7 miles

Southern Trailhead: Canelo Pass

Access

This passage does not feel as isolated as the previous two, but it is seldom used. From the town of Patagonia, follow Harshaw Road (FR 58) east 14 miles to an intersection where FR 58 makes a 90-degree turn to the right. Avoid this turn and continue straight ahead (east) on FR 799. In 5 miles, cross Canelo Pass and continue about 0.5 miles down the other side to a large parking area on the left (west) side of the road. The trail toward Patagonia departs from the right side of a kiosk; the trail arriving from Passage 2 is on the left side of the kiosk.

From the town of Sonoita, follow AZ 83 south for 18 miles to a turnoff on the right for FR 799. Continue 2.9 miles to a parking area on the right that is marked with Arizona Trail signs.

Please note there is no public access to the AZT along Red Rock Canyon Road due to private property and a locked gate.


Northern Access Point: Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead

Access

From the north, follow Highway 82 toward the town of Patagonia. Four miles north of town, turn right/west on Casa Blanca Canyon Road. Follow this dirt road west for 1/4-mile and look for the trailhead on your left/south. Park here, walk through the AZT gate, and follow the Connector Trail for 1/3-mile to locate the Arizona Trail. There is no parking or access along Highway 82; instead please use the Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead nearby.


Trail Route Description

Passage 3 continues north through the Canelo Hills. This section features rolling grasslands, chaparral, and a rich riparian environment. The trail follows a singletrack path that winds up several short, steep hills and through dry wash crossings. Since the area has abundant livestock grazing you’ll see numerous cows and encounter frequent gates.

This section begins with a moderate climb from the Canelo Pass Trailhead up to a saddle with scenic views of rolling hills, shallow canyons and lush grasslands. From here, one is offered panoramic views of the Santa Rita Mountains to the northwest and the Patagonia Mountains to the southwest. 

The trail drops into the upper end of Meadow Valley and then continues through rolling hills lined with oak and manzanita. Hundreds of plant and animal species thrive in the nearby Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve which makes it possible to catch a glimpse of a rare, violet-crowned hummingbird, a northern beardless-tyrannulet, or a gray hawk!


Difficulty

  • Moderate

Season(s)


Water

Water may be available at Down Under Tank, Cott Tank Exclosure, and Gate Spring. Red Bank Well generally has water, as it is an important cattle watering location, and uses a solar powered pump.  Check the online Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.


Notes/Warnings

  • The northern portion of this passage experiences extreme overgrowth in the summertime, and trail work is not permitted before October 1 due to threatened & endangered species that live within the area. Expect difficult route finding, wear long protective layers, and be prepared for extreme conditions if you’re on the trail in the summer and early autumn months.
  • Trail is designed for hiking, mountain bikes, and horseback use.
  • Cattle grazing occurs along this entire passage. Please close all gates unless they are intentionally wired open.
  • Mines are located near some of the trail routes and are marked. Please stay on the trail.
  • All water along this passage should be purified prior to use.
  • Do not use Red Rock Canyon Road for access.

Resources


For more information


Current Passage Info

Arizona’s Best Small Towns For A Weekend Escape

World Atlas (May 9, 2024) by Elizabeth Arnold Located in the beautiful American Southwest, Arizona is part of the "four corners" region. The state of Arizona is diverse in many ways, from expansive deserts to sweeping mountain ranges and quiet hometowns and bustling cities. If you're traveling to Arizona, consider checking out one of its many charming small towns for a weekend escape that is either relaxing or adventurous, depending on what you desire. Patagonia The beauty and serenity of the desert surround the small town of Patagonia, which is situated in Arizona's Sonoita Valley. The eclectic town of under 1000 people is located just about 20 miles north of Mexico, so it's heavily influenced by the country's art, culture and food, making it a fun weekend destination to explore. Patagonia also has a strong Western feel due to its historical roots and architectural features. If you're into nature, take a hike or bike ride on the 800-mile Arizona Trail, which runs near Patagonia and gives visitors an up-close look at local desert wildlife, flora, and fauna. The Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds is another popular attraction, and you can see the highest numbers of small birds between the months...

The 9 Most Fun Adventure Lodges in North America

Outside Online (April 23, 2024) by Graham Averill Base camp might be my favorite two words in the English language. Base camp is where you stage the next excursion, or refuel with a bowl of stew, or a beer. You rest and recover there. If you’re lucky, you can slip into a hot tub or cold spring, because base camps don’t always have to be a tent or in the back of your truck. Sometimes, base camp can be a lodge with soft sheets and a chef. I’ve gathered a handful of my personal favorite adventure lodges and picked a few more destination hotels and chalets on my bucket list. Some of them are high-end and  worthy of a splurge, while others are downright affordable. All of them are chosen specifically for their locations and adventures they offer, putting visitors within reach of dramatic landscapes while providing gear, know-how, and sometimes in-house guides. Because occasionally it’s nice not to have to plan everything yourself. The Gravel House Hotel, Patagonia, Arizona You may not have heard of Patagonia, Arizona, a tiny town of 800-ish sitting at the base of the Patagonia Mountains, near the Mexico border. Much of the surrounding land is...

Red Rock Canyon Road Closed to Public Access

Due to private property issues, there is no public access along Red Rock Canyon Road between Harshaw Road and the Arizona Trail. Please do not use Red Rock Canyon Road to connect the AZT back toward the town of Patagonia.

How To Spend A Day In Quirky Patagonia, Arizona

Travel Awaits (March 12, 2021) by Cindy Barks Equal parts outdoor hotspot and artsy Western outpost, Patagonia, Arizona, packs an improbable number of fun attractions into its community of fewer than 900 people. Located about 18 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, charming Patagonia is among the communities known as Sky Islands (Sonoita, Elgin, and Patagonia) for their relatively high elevation and adjacent mountain ranges. While stories vary on how the nearby Patagonia Mountains got their name, one theory is that miners who had spent time in Chile and Argentina named the area after the famous mountains of South America. The story certainly seemed plausible to me after taking in the golden slopes and grasslands bordered by mountain peaks. From Tucson, Patagonia can be reached either by heading south on Interstate 19, or by traveling east on Interstate 10, and then turning south onto the Sonoita-Patagonia Scenic Road, Highway 83. A visit to Patagonia could be a day trip from Tucson, but a better idea is to spend several days exploring the Sky Island region and taking in Arizona Wine Country along the way. Things To Do In Patagonia Patagonia is often described as quirky, and the town more than lives up to the description...