A short jaunt from Patagonia’s downtown lands you at the trailhead of the mystical Cemetery Trail. Located in the Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve, this gentle, well-maintained 1.1-mile out and back trail passes through diverse grasslands, mesquite scrublands, and oak woodlands. It features a variety of plant species, good birding opportunities, and 3600 views of the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains. Once you pass through the entrance gate, tall grasses and towering trees welcome you to a sense of escape and wonder.
Soon, the trail begins to gently meander, carrying the walker under oak tree canopies, along the path of deer and javelina tracks and through the sounds of various species of chirping birds. After the grassland, the trail comes to a split, continue right, and follow the trail up a slight incline into mesquite filled hills for five minutes. Once you have reached the gate that brings you to the Cemetery entrance, take a moment to find the bench to the left and enjoy stunning views. This trail is great for those looking to easily slip out of town and enjoy a peaceful walk. No dogs or horses are allowed on this property.
Directions: From the Visitor’s Center on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Mckeown, head southwest on McKeown toward Nogales for 0.4 miles. Park at the rest stop on the right-hand side after you pass Costello Drive on the left. The trailhead is opposite the rest stop marked by a gate and small sign.
One hiking trail per month is highlighted in Take A Hike!. Each description will include access point/s and directions, length, terrain, interesting features, and whether open to dogs or horses. Our goal is to eventually combine the individual descriptions into a loose-leaf book of local trails. Borderlands is partnering with the PRT to make an accompanying GIS generated map to show the relative locations of the trails. In addition to several hard copies, the trail book will be available on both the PRT and BRN websites. The key, of course, is recruiting volunteers to write the trail descriptions. If you have a trail in mind, email it to prteditor@gmail.com.