MODERATE: Casa Grande Mountain South Side

Hike Leader - Paul Feeney (480-843-9547). Scott Downey (503-936-7239)

Trail Distance: 6.6 miles; AEG 755 feet
Spine to Ridge Trail to East Butte Loop in the Casa Grande Mountain Trails area
Trail Head Elevation: 1300 feet
75 miles R/T; Driver Fee $6

This hike has been changed since last year. It is slighly longer and follows a CCW loop.

From the Arica Road trailhead, we will start our hike heading North on the Spine trail for about 1 mile. We will then take a left turn and head up to the Ridge trail and where will head south for around 1.5 miles.

After a break in the valley area, next to the satelitte calibration marker, we will cut across the valley and head the East Butte. During this portion of the hike there will be panoramic views looking to the East and South. In previous years wildlife such as owls, hawks, other types of birds, and a coyote were seen.

Trekking poles are recommended. Here is an Alltrails link to the hike - Explore Ridgeline to East Butte loop | AllTrails

Driving Directions Arica Trailhead in Casa Grande:
Leave Cottonwood parking lot and turn left onto Riggs Road. Travel 3.5 miles then turn left at the traffic light to merge onto I10 East heading towards Tucson and Casa Grande. Travel 32.5 miles then take exit 200 towards Eloy.
Go right at the end of the offramp onto S. Sunland Gin Road. After a few hundred feet you will make another right turn onto Arica Road. Travel 1.6 miles to the trailhead. Trailhead has rustic bathroom facilities.