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    Bursera Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3.5-5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    545 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Bursera Trail is a hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is 11.3 km long and sees heavy traffic, most of which is concentrated near the start. Look for the interesting elephant tree (Bursera) as you hike this route. Be prepared for a bit of climbing and a stiff descent, too. Poles will be quite helpful if you have them.

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    Route Description for Bursera Trail

    The Bursera Trail provides you with the great scenery of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve along with a fun treat for the plat-inclined, a bursera, or elephant tree. Expect a good workout with some steep climbs, a breezy ridge walk, and a steep descent. Hiking this trail in the winter usually leads to more wildlife sightings and more manageable temperatures, so that’s what we recommend.

    You can decide to follow this loop either way. Our route goes clockwise, so reverse your route if you want to get the climbing out of the way first and have a more gradual descent. Our route has a more gradual climb and a steeper descent.

    From the trailhead, take Pyramid Trail to the junction and keep right. Once you reach the fork of Bursera Trail and Pyramid Trail, stay left onto Bursera Trail. You’ll climb up the ridgeline, a steep effort. Enjoy a more laidback stroll across the rest of the ridge. Stay right at the fork and then right again to descend through a set of switchbacks into the valley. The route heads southeast back to the trail fork, from where you’ll retrace your steps.

    Getting to the Bursera Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Bursera Trail is off S 19th Ave.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-May

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Bursera Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Bursera Trail Reviews

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