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A remote trail on the backside of Mt. Lemmon.


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Map Key

4.9

Miles

7.9

KM

Point to Point

8,097' 2,468 m

High

4,875' 1,486 m

Low

141' 43 m

Up

3,313' 1,010 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

Description

The Red Ridge Trail starts at the the top of Mt. Lemmon and heads down to the headwaters of the Canada del Oro. Supposedly, the trail hasn't been maintained since the Roosevelt administration. The trail itself is dark and coniferous and green with lots of ferns.

2019 Update: Red Ridge itself was badly burned in the Aspen fire and the majority of the trail is very exposed. The bottom of the trail is below 5,000 feet and is comprised of juniper and oak scrub land with pockets of riparian habitat. Hikers should plan their hikes according to the weather condition present at multiple elevations.This trail received some much needed trail maintenance in August of 2019 and is now quite easy to follow. It is also worth knowing this trail is almost 100 years old and was reportedly constructed in the 1920's by the Forest Service.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chad Dailey with improvements by Semi Feral

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#12

in Mt. Lemmon

#23704

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#12

in Mt. Lemmon

#771

in Arizona

#23,704

Overall
12 Views Last Month
657 Since Sep 29, 2017
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Photos

View of Oracle Ridge from Red Ridge #2 trail
Aug 31, 2019 near Oracle, AZ
Rock pools in the lower section of the Red Ridge trail on 08/30/19
Aug 31, 2019 near Oracle, AZ
A Green Lynx spider on a Cholla flower in the lower elevations, nearing the junction of the Canada Del Oro #4 trail 08/30/19
Aug 31, 2019 near Oracle, AZ
View of Radio Ridge from the beginning of Red Ridge trail #2 08/30/19
Aug 31, 2019 near Oracle, AZ
Sign marking the junction at Red Ridge #2 trail and Catalina Camp #401 trail
Aug 31, 2019 near Oracle, AZ

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jun 6, 2020
Steven Ernsky
Oct 25, 2019
Semi Feral
Some trail guides list this trail as poorly maintained and hard to follow. Recent trail maintenance has made this trail great to hike. 5.6mi
Sep 12, 2019
Semi Feral
Red ridge trail is a must see and can be part of a 20+ mile loop.
Aug 31, 2019
Semi Feral
Red Ridge trail #2 was recently worked on and is clear and easy to follow. 5mi — 2h 30m
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