Near the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/arizona/dove-mountain), you can access the Tortolina Mountain Trails (there are 12 well-built trails here ranging from .5 to 9.7 miles). Mountain biking is also popular on the trail system. Pets are welcome, which was the primary reason we visited the area. Just drive to the entrance of the Ritz Carlton and tell them you are there to hike at Tortolina Mountains. They will provide you with a map of the trail system and tell you where to park. \
The trails are well-marked with kiosks situated in various locations.
We hiked a portion of the Wild Burro Trail to the Lower Javalina Trail (about 3 miles). The trail began in a sandy wash before ascending to a higher elevation. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the plant life is what we have seen in the area.
In the distance we could see one of the buildings of the Ritz-Carlton.
I am enchanted by the great saguaro cacti. Some were slanted towards the sun, a few had some blossoms, and this is a rare crested saguaro.
The views just kept getting better as we followed the Lower Javelina Trail.
Even though these teddy-bear cholla look fluffy, it would be brutal to run into the thorns! Cactus wren though have no problem making nests and living in them. Check out all of the arms on the first saguaro and, sadly, a saguaro skeleton that will fall to the ground soon. The fruit of the fishhook barrel cactus look like tiny pineapples, don’t they?
Even though the hotel is nearby, the Tortolina Mountains are really quite remote. We loved the picturesque landscape and the opportunity to enjoy the sunny day with our sweet girl, Sadie.
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