Juan Bautista de Anza Nat'l Historic Trail: Tumacacori - Calabasas

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

There are no restrooms and no water on this stretch.

Juan Bautista de Anza left what is now Mexico in 1775 with about 300 men, women and children along with several hundred livestock. He ended up establishing a mission in San Francisco, CA in 1776 leaving about 200 men, women and children there while he returned to Mexico.

This is the first part of his trail in the U.S. and is part of the National Historic Trails System. The trail north of the Santa Gertrudis Lane parking spot is closed for several miles to bicycles through the Tumacacori National Historic Park, the site of several Spanish missions dating back to 1691.

The trail follows the Santa Cruz River which is clear and flows year round on this stretch. There is one three-plank bridge to cross the river on the northern part of this trail. Contrary to many trails in this part of Arizona, much of this trail is through tunnels of trees, breaking out into stretches of semi-open treed areas.

The three-mile stretch from Santa Gertrudis Lane to Palo Parado Road, is mostly in the shade and gets a little use. The five-mile stretch from Palo Parado Road to Rio Rico Road, appears to get very little bike use. I saw two tracks the day in March that I rode. Because this trail is on easements over private land, and on railroad right-of-way, this stretch also has five gates that must be opened and closed, not counting the one at each end of the stretch. Both stretches have a few sandy spots, but not long or too bad.

At one point, about a mile south of Palo Parado Road, the trail leaves the river bottom for about 100 yards and continues on the railroad berm that is at the top edge of the scree slope. I had to dismount and walk about 50 yards, but a good rider could do this technical stretch.

All in all, a nice change from sun, Saguaros and cactus found on most trails in this part of Arizona.