I pulled up to the Dove Mountain Ritz Carlton guard shack in my dusty 2020 Dodge Ram. The guard came out wearing a frown and carrying a clipboard with a list of approved guests and hired help. He was pretty sure that I didn't belong. I rolled down the window and greeted him with a smile. "Wild Burro Trail," I said. He looked crestfallen and then motioned us through. "You two have a good day," he managed.
The Wild Burro Trailhead is technically on land owned by the Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Department. The only way to get there is through the property of the Ritz. We hiked Wild Burro once before, but yesterday we had a more ambitious hike in mind. Wild Burro is an easy 3 mile trail that mostly follows a flat wash. We chose the moderate Wild Burro Spur and Alamo Springs Loop, which is about a 6 mile hike, scrambling up and down the Tortolita Mountains.
We started out on the Wild Burro Trail but quickly joined Alamo Springs which gradually ascended to the tallest peaks in the area. It was a hot day, and we quickly were down to shorts and short-sleeves.
This is an area frequented by mountain lions, bobcats, javelina, and snakes. However, the only wildlife we saw that day were plants and birds.
The rocky trail consists mostly of 600 million years or older granite. Nothing like rock aging to make one feel inconsequential.
There was no password required to leave the Ritz property. We did not stop at the bar for a $13 IPA.
