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One of the only Tucson area trails running along a water source.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.6

KM

Singletrack

8,356' 2,547 m

High

4,540' 1,384 m

Low

51' 16 m

Up

3,868' 1,179 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail was lost to fire. Travel not advised.

Description

This one can't be ridden on its own - you'll have to make a day out of it. See CDO for a description of how to get to the start of this one.

The Canada del Oro spends many miles riding along the creek and crossing it. This trail is the true definition of backwoods. It is a seldom traveled trail that is lightly marked. There are a few techy spots mixed in here and there but overall it is a great flowing trail through the deep oaks of Mt Lemmon.

The wash crossings are the trickiest spots and be mindful when crossing them to keep your eyes open for cairn's marking the entrance and exits. There are many sections of this trail that will leave you smiling ear to ear as you swoop through the oak trees or open fields of wildflowers.

Take your time to pack a lunch and find a nice waterfall to enjoy while on the trail. The water here is also filterable so if you need to, filter away. Dont forget to take a minute once you get out of the deep trees to look back at the top of Mt. Lemmon and see how far you have already descended off the mountain.

There will be one junction on Canada del Oro with Red Ridge trail (signed), and you'll go to the left here. It will be the natural direction the trail flows anyway and you may never even see the junction. Don't be too worried if you don't spot it. Keep heading north from there along what will become a somewhat unrideable rock-filled wash until you come to the Gap Road. The Gap road marks the official end of Canada del Oro Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Vernie Aikins

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 5 votes

#5

in Mt. Lemmon

#25940

Overall
  2.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
20%
1 Star
40%
Trail Rankings

#5

in Mt. Lemmon

#786

in Arizona

#25,940

Overall
31 Views Last Month
4,579 Since May 13, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
33%
0%
67%
0%

Photos

Nice trail in the middle section of the CDO
Dec 14, 2017 near Catalina, AZ
Some of the great backwoods ST to be had.
May 8, 2013 near Oracle, AZ
Views are just to good.
May 8, 2013 near Catalina, AZ
One of the many creek crossings.
May 8, 2013 near Catalina, AZ
Great Views from C.D.O.
May 8, 2013 near Catalina, AZ
Great place to be during wildflower season.
May 8, 2013 near Oracle, AZ
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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