2/29/2024 0 Comments Hummingbird trailSturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, binoculars and plenty of water. From the overlook, the trail continues upstream and enters the Miller Peak Wilderness Area where it joins other trails. These lead to a scenic overlook in the Coronado National Forest one mile from the preserve headquarters. This open-ended route parallels Ramsey Creek through the preserve before climbing 500 feet in a half-mile series of steep switchbacks. The diverse wildlife and habitats of Ramsey Canyon may be viewed from the Hamburg Trail. On average, temperatures at the preserve are 10-15 degrees cooler than those in Tucson. Occasional snows from late November through late March bring a dramatic change in the scenery. In July and August, brief afternoon rainstorms can be a daily occurrence. Spring weather is unpredictable, though usually cool and dry. The best months for birding at the preserve are April through September. See additional guidelines under the “Preserve Regulations” heading below. Please note, in consideration of canyon wildlife, pets are prohibited in the preserve. Here, visitors may learn about the preserve and its wild residents, the Upper San Pedro River Program, and The Nature Conservancy by viewing interpretive exhibits, or simply enjoying the beauty of the lower canyon. The preserve Visitor Center includes visitor parking, restrooms and hummingbird viewing. There is no parking along the road below the preserve. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preserve parking is limited to 27 spaces. Group visits require prior arrangements.Annual pass to Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve for two (2) adults: $55.TNC Members and Cochise County Residents: $5 per person.Multiple partners also ensure a broader perspective and more enduring conservation solutions. Together, The Nature Conservancy and these partners achieve much greater success than any one entity working independently. The preserve serves as a southeastern Arizona program office-a base for TNC’s work with regional partners on large-scale projects such as fire management, stream restoration and protection of rare species. Ramsey Canyon and the Upper San Pedro River Basin are situated within the Apache Highlands ecoregion, which encompasses central and southeastern Arizona, southwest New Mexico and the northern Sierra Occidental of Mexico. Communities ranging from semi-desert grassland to pine-fir forest are found within the vicinity of Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Water-loving plants such as sycamores, maples and columbines line the banks of Ramsey Creek, often growing within a few feet of cacti, yucca and agaves. This combination of factors gives Ramsey Canyon Preserve its notable variety of plant and animal life, including such southwestern specialties as Apache and Chihuahua pines, ridge-nosed rattlesnake, lesser long-nosed bat, elegant trogon and Rivoli’s and Anna’s hummingbirds.Ī spring-fed stream, northeast orientation and high canyon walls provide Ramsey Canyon with a moist, cool environment unusual in the desert Southwest. The abrupt rise of mountains like the Huachucas from the surrounding arid grasslands creates “sky islands” that harbor tremendous habitat diversity and form stepping stones to the tropics. Use the Hummingbird Trail as part of longer rides connecting Smuggler trails like Lollipop Trail, Iowa Shaft Trail, to get to or from 4 Corners area, Hunter Creek Overlook trail, Van Horn Park, and Hobbit Trail.Southeastern Arizona is an ecological crossroads, where the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts all come together. The bottom of the trail meets the Hunter Creek Trail above the uppermost bridge in this hanging valley. 130, and a mid upper access point (the old top of the trail) where Upper & Lower Plunge trails (aka Sunnyside trail) crosses over Red Mountain Rd. On the upper part of the trail views open up back towards Aspen, the local ski mountains, and Elk Range.įind the top of the trail at west end of FS Rd. As the trail traverses back and forth across the steep hill side, you'll be treated to views of the grassy meadows along the Hunter Creek, and in the distance, views of the Williams Range. 130.Īlong the trail, you'll enjoy aspen groves, scrub oak, and destination worthy views. An upper extension was constructed in 2018 that connects the top of the adjacent Lower Plunge (part of Upper & Lower Plunge trails (aka Sunnyside trail) up to the next road intersection with FS Rd. Over two miles long, the trail rides well both up and down. This is the Hunter Creek area's first professional built trail, and features playful grade reversals to keep water off the tread, provide plenty of fun on the descent, and respite from short steeper sections on the way up.
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