South Ridge

Dogs Leashed

Sitting Bull, Fat Tire, and South Ridge are all a part of a trail area referred to as The Maze by locals. The trails, along with their associated connectors, cross two ridges for about a mile, ascending towards the eastern slope of the Franklin Mountains. With fewer rocks than most area trails and easy grades, they're a good introduction for runners getting used to desert trails.

The central trail of The Maze, South Ridge is a little more challenging and technical than its neighbors. The beginning of the trail is not marked; it turns west right after the start of Old Tine Mine Road. If you reach the trail sign for The Maze, you've gone too far.

The initial section of South Ridge is a wide, gravelly doubletrack. It quickly narrows to single as it climbs to the top of a fifty foot ridge. The climb is rocky and eroded by rain runoff, so stick to the sides of the trail for better footing. It wraps around to the southern face of the ridge, winding and passing through brief up and down sections. Flatter sections of the trail are clear and easy, while climbs and descents tend to be rockier, though not difficult.

At its western end, the trail turns south, crosses a dry creek bed, and ends at Cardiac Hill.

Grasses, cacti, sotols and creosote bushes. Birds and rabbits.