Bog Springs Trail #156

This is a very pleasant, rather short loop through an area of bubbling springs, green grasses, big trees and long distance views. It is located conveniently close to Bog Springs Campground and the other developed recreation sites within the Madera Canyon Recreation Area, making this a popular trail where you can usually count on having company. The two friendly paths that form this loop afford excellent opportunities for observing birds and other wild animals drawn to the oases nourished by the springs. The Bog Springs/Kent Spring loop starts in Bog Springs Campground and wanders up and around a shallow basin these drainages have cut into the western slopes of the Santa Rita Range. Forests of silverleaf oak, alligator juniper and ponderosa pine shade the trail as it meanders between springs and seeps sheltered by stands of gnarled old Arizona sycamores. In addition to these silver and green barked old-timers, communities of other moisture loving plants cluster around these reliable watersources including Arizona bamboo, Arizona walnut, alligator junipers and colorful clumps of wildflowers. As you might suspect, such lush pockets of riparian diversity also attract a variety of birds and other wildlife. The convenience of these trails and the wild abundance that surrounds them makes them extremely popular, so don’t be surprised if you have company. Favorite trailside lunch spots and view points are well worn and easy to find. Where the trees part to provide overlooks, you can expect to enjoy good views of Madera Canyon while panoramas stretch to the Baboquivari Mountains and Kitt Peak Observatory in the distance. The trail steepens in the vicinity of Kent Spring, but few people would call this a very strenuous walk or horse ride. It takes only a couple of hours to complete a full circuit, but don’t be surprised if you spend all day.