AZ Trail Passage 8 Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead to La Posta Quemada Ranch

Feb 10, 2015; Don & Suzanne; 8.5 miles RT on in-and-out hike
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A1AZT08SouthEndwLegend Location for this hike southeast of Tucson A2AZT08SouthEnd The GPS track (green line) for this in-and-out hike from the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead along Marsh Station Road, north of I-10 IMG 2139-HDR The Gabe Zimmerman trail head is adjacent to the Pima County Cienega Creek Preserve which the AZT goes through. This sign is along Marsh Station Road near where the AZT crosses the road. IMG 2220-HDR The other side of the Preserve Sign.
IMG 2142-HDR A loooong train is hardly noticeable in the vast landscape - but it can certainly be heard. IMG 2145-HDR There's familiar Rincon Peak. But what's that on the hill top in the foreground? IMG 2181-HDR Really? You've got to be kidding. IMG 2148-HDR
IMG 2151-HDR We're about 4.2 miles from the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead and see the La Posta Quemada Ranch where we exited the trail last time we hiked here two weeks ago. IMG 2154-HDR IMG 2157-HDR That's the trail we just came down. IMG 2160-HDR That's looking ahead.
IMG 2163-HDR IMG 2175-HDR As we hike down the trail near the ranch, we spot this unique sign. Have seen no other like it on any of the AZT. So where is the restaurant. We've already had a snack, but could do with some dessert. IMG 2166-HDR IMG 2169-HDR
IMG 2172-HDR IMG 2178-HDR So, the "ranch" is no longer a working ranch, but rather a part of the county Colossal Cave Park. It is museum and research center. IMG 2184-HDR stitchSmall So now we have started back to the trialhead and the Xterror. That's a horseshoe bend on Cienega Creek. IMG 2199-HDR
IMG 2202-HDR IMG 2205-HDR There's the RR bridge over Cienga Creek. IMG 2208-HDR IMG 2211-HDR Under the bridge there is a canopy to protect hkers along the AZT
IMG 2217-HDR Taken from the car bridge on Marsh Station Road over the creek, looking at a RR bridge over a RR that goes under the car bridge. Hmmm. IMG 2223-HDR Intrigued by the info we gained about the La Qosta Quemada Ranch, we drive into Colossal Cave Park to see it. We were met by this tanned and stiff cowboy. IMG 2226-HDR IMG 2229-HDR Part of the museum that is now the La Posta Quemada Ranch.
IMG 2232-HDR IMG 2235-HDR IMG 2238-HDR IMG 2241-HDR We notice on one of the signs that there is a crested Saguaro on the ranch. We have to see and photograph it, naturally.
IMG 2244-HDR Nearby barrel cactus fruit add a dash of color. Note the young arm starting the emerge from the crested part of this Saguaro IMG 2253-HDR A better view.