Butterfly Trail #16

Butterfly Trail #16 is a long-distance hiking route in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona’s Coronado National Forest. The line is about 7.46 km (roughly 5–7 miles) with a focus on sustained elevation change rather than flat walking.

There are two common ways to access it: a lower start near the Palisade Visitors Center via Trail #520, or an upper start east of Catalina Highway on Soldier Camp Road. Either way, you’re set up to work your way up into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness area.

Expect a steady climb for the main push up, using switchbacks that continue toward a “false summit” saddle near Butterfly Peak before easing into the final high point of the route.

Route usage is not limited to hikers—this trail system is also open to equestrians and leashed dogs. In practice, many hikers treat Butterfly Trail #16 as part of a bigger network, including frequent combinations with Crystal Spring Trail #17 and segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail / Pusch Ridge Wilderness bypass area.

If you’re stringing it into a day plan, one of the characteristic approaches is to come up from the Control Road side via Crystal Spring Trail #17, then turn onto Butterfly Trail #16 for the higher switchback climb to Butterfly Trailhead.

Timing-wise, it’s commonly hiked from March through November to avoid the worst of desert heat at lower elevations while still taking advantage of the cooler mountain environment.

The trail is routed across ground surfaces in forested terrain. Plan for steep gains and losses, and bring enough water for a longer outing since access points are tied to specific trailheads along the Catalina Highway / Soldier Camp Road area.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Visitor information