East Empire Ranch Road

Total Miles
4.5

Elevation

1,408.74 ft

Duration

0.75 Hours

Technical Rating

1

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer

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East Empire Ranch Road
10

Trail Overview

This road is a simple dirt road that is typically graded with occasional washboarding and is a gateway to much of the Cienega Creek and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Areas. Along the landscape, you will see rolling grasslands, a verdant riparian area, towering cottonwood trees, and mesquite bosque lining the roadway.

Photos of East Empire Ranch Road

East Empire Ranch Road
East Empire Ranch Road

Difficulty

This is a very easy desert road with few technical obstacles depending the time of year. Look out for washboarding.

History

In the 80s, this area was at risk of becoming a master planned community and golf course. In 1986, the area came under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management. Then in 1988, it became part of the National Landscape Conservation System.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

From Tucson, go east on Interstate 10 for 23 miles to State Route 83. Turn right onto SR 83 and continue 19 miles to Historic Empire Ranch Road (Bureau of Land Management Road 6900). Turn left onto Historic Empire Ranch Road and continue 3 miles to Bureau of Land Management Road 6901 to a "T" junction. There, turn left onto Bureau of Land Management Road 6901, AKA East Empire Ranch Road. From Sonoita, go north on Route 83 for 6.6 miles to the paved road on your right between mileposts 39 and 40. Watch for the brown Historic Empire Ranch sign on the right side of the highway. Turn east (right) onto paved road and follow for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House on your left. Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don't travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

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