Pontatoc Trail

Description:

• This trail offers great views and plenty of evidence of mining activity left over from the days when the Santa Catalinas were the focus of extensive mineral exploration. At one time the Pontatoc Ridge Trail was even called the Old Spanish Mine Trail, but don't look for lost mines here. The reason these mines were abandoned is because they didn't pan out. Use caution around these dangerous old digs which can present a number of hazards for unsuspecting travelers or those too willing to take a risk.

  Pontatoc Trail travels up the canyon of the same name, climbing in and out of the canyon bottom as it becomes more rocky and narrow. This trail presents good views of the Pontatoc Cliffs that form a deeply weathered and pockmarked face on the northeastern horizon. Extensive trampling of the area between the trailhead and Pontatoc Canyon has made it difficult to pick out the trail from all the incidental paths that have developed here, but once the trail enters the canyon it becomes easier to follow, at least for a while. Farther up in the canyon, it again becomes difficult to follow before disappearing entirely just beyond a point where it leaves the canyon floor.

  3.7 miles of the Pontatoc Trail are in Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.

  Water can be found in some of the drainages along the trail during the wettest months of the year only. Purification of water is recommended prior to use.