Five thousand feet below the Butterfly Trail, the San Pedro River meanders through a hazy desert basin separating southeastern Arizona’s Santa Catalina and Galiuro Mountain ranges. In addition to vertigo-inducing views, this trail offers a lot of variety in terms of bio-diversity and interesting side trips. Two trailheads access this route, so it can be hiked either as an out-and-back or in two-car exchange style.
- LENGTH: 5.7 miles one-way
- RATING: moderate-difficult
- ELEVATION: 6,500 – 8,500 feet
- BEST SEASON: April – October
- FACILITIES: restrooms
GETTING THERE:
Upper Butterfly trailhead:
- From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road.
- Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway, go left and drive 22.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.
- Roads are paved.
Lower Bigelow trailhead:
- From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road.
- Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway, go left and drive 19.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.
- Roads are paved.
