Tucson lawmaker also will celebrate construction of a key segment of the trail and recognize volunteers who helped build the trail in Southern Arizona
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will visit the historic Posta Quemada Ranch at Colossal Cave Mountain Park on Saturday to unveil legislation granting National Scenic Trail designation to the Arizona Trail.
The designation, which can be accomplished only by an act of Congress, will streamline management of the 800-mile trail by making a single federal agency responsible for its oversight. The designation does not require additional federal funds.
Every year, thousands of hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians use the Arizona Trail. It stretches the length of the state, winding its way from the Huachuca Mountains in Cochise County to the Grand Canyon on the Utah border. More than 100 miles of trail runs through the deserts, canyons and forests of Pima County.
A key segment of the trail, from the southern boundary of Saguaro National Park to the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, was recently completed. Giffords will celebrate this milestone by recognizing about 50 volunteers who donated their time and labor to make this popular section of trail a reality.
The trail event kicks off a busy Saturday for the Tucson lawmaker. Below is her public schedule for May 12.
- WHAT: Arizona Trail National Scenic Designation
- WHEN: 9:15-11:15 a.m.
- WHERE: Colossal Cave Park Mountain Park, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail. (To get to the park, take exit 279 off I-10, turn north and follow the signs for about 7 miles.)
- WHAT: Arizona Children’s Association Board Meeting
- WHEN: 12-1 p.m.
- WHERE: Las Familias, 3618 E. Pima
- WHAT: Tucson Nurses Week Gala
- WHEN: 7:30-9 p.m.
- WHERE: Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle