Tortolita Mountains
Located just north of Tucson in the town of Marana, the Tortolita Mountains are a great place to see Sonoran Desert plants and animals that also harbors ruins and petroglyphs. More than 10 miles of easy and moderate trails meander through the mountains and through two protected areas, the Tortolita Preserve and the Tortolita Mountain Park, which are managed by Pima County and the Town of Marana, respectively. The many trails offer opportunities for birders of all levels. spanning an elevation of 2,000 – 4,300 feet. Park at the Wild Burro Mountain Trailhead to access the miles of trails.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pinal
Directions: Many of the trails can be accessed by following Dove Mt. Road to the roundabout; there will be a trailhead parking lot with restrooms just after driving through the entrance gate to Ritz Carlton Hotel. Access to the Tortolita Mountains is also available from the Preserve trailhead (6250 W. Moore Road), near intersection of Moore Road and Wild Burro Road.
Latitude: 32.475637
Longitude: -111.090783
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Fall, Winter, Spring
Habitats: Desert
Know Before You Go
Restrooms are available at the Wild Burro Canyon trailhead, which is maintained by Marana Parks and Recreation.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird
Contact Information
Marana Parks and Recreation, Pima County
14810 N Secret Springs Dr
Marana, AZ 85658
Phone: 520-382-1950
Website: https://www.discovermarana.org/directory/tortolita-preserve-and-trail-system/
Email: marana.parks@maranaAZ.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6302493
Additional Resources:
