National Trail–Ranger Trail, 3 sights
6.2 mi · ▲ 1,460 ft · 2 hr 48 min
National Trail–Ranger Trail, 3 sights is a 6.2-mile out-and-back in South Mountain Preserve near La Montana del Sur, AZ. It climbs 1,460 ft, with sections as steep as 18% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 57/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
National Trail–Ranger Trail, 3 sights
6.2 mi · ▲ 1,460 ft · 2 hr 48 min
Elevation 1,596–2,411 ft
Out & Back · South Mountain Preserve
Trailhead: Bajada Trail · 33.33295, -112.09839
Weather Sep 4: Overcast, high 100°F / low 81° · precip 12% · wind 12 mph · sunrise 6:06 AM · sunset 6:51 PM
Bikes allowed on the whole route · Horses allowed on the whole route · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Bajada Trail, heading E.
- 0.8 miSharp right onto Ranger Trail, heading S.
- 1 miContinue straight onto National Trail, heading E.
- 0.9 miBear right onto Upper Gila Trail, heading SE.
- 50 ftBear left onto National Trail, heading SE.
- 0.4 miReach Ranger Trail, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.4 miBear right onto Upper Gila Trail, heading W.
- 50 ftBear left onto National Trail, heading W.
- 0.9 miContinue straight onto Ranger Trail, heading SW.
- 1 miSharp left onto Bajada Trail, heading N.
- 0.7 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.2 mi in (~77 min). Leave by 5:14 PM for the 6:51 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:03 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Bikes allowed on the whole route
- Horses allowed on the whole route
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Bajada Trail Trailhead
- Ranger Trail via Bajada Trail 3.5 mi · ▲ 788 ft
- Bajada Trail 3.7 mi · ▲ 245 ft
- Bajada Trail–Judith Tunnell Challenge Trail Loop, 3 sights 4.3 mi · ▲ 353 ft
- Goat Hill via National Trail 4.3 mi · ▲ 988 ft
- National Trail 7 mi · ▲ 1,257 ft
- National Trail 7.4 mi · ▲ 1,931 ft
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