The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a complete non-motorized path, stretching 800 diverse miles across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. It links deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, communities and people. The Arizona Trail Association’s mission is to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the land.

The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead parking lot provides access to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Davidson Canyon. This is a 10-car lot. The trailhead is located just off Marsh Station Road. Note: A permit is required to access the preserve, however, no permit is required if you are only utilizing the Arizona Trail. Open dawn to dusk. Details: 520-724-5000 (Pima County). Call (520) 724-2263 for permit information. These permits are free.

From Tucson on eastbound I-10, exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia), and turn left to cross I-10 to Marsh Station Road. From westbound I-10, exit 281, loop exit to Marsh Station Road. Travel northeast on Marsh Station Road for approximately 3 miles and watch for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. After parking, walk through the gate and go left (northeast) on the trail. At “Y” go right and follow the trail down to the creek.

Three Bridges or the second parking lot is 0.3 miles farther up on Marsh Station Road, on the left side and just before railroad tracks. Parking is allowed on the front portion of the lot. Do not go under the trestle (railroad property). The road to the third lot is right across Marsh Station Road from the second lot and holds approximately 5 cars. Note: these two lots are recommended for viewing and photographing trains only. NRPR cautions against crossing railroad tracks to enter the preserve.

From I-10 east or west, take exit 279 (Vail/Wentworth), head north on Colossal Cave Road approximately 2.6 miles to the parking lot on the right side just before the bridge.

The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead parking lot provides access to Davidson Canyon and the Arizona Trail.  Note: A permit is required to access the preserve, however, no permit is required if you are only utilizing the Arizona Trail.

Gabe Zimmerman was the director of community outreach for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. He was instrumental in the Arizona Trail getting its designation as a National Scenic Trail in 2009. He was one of the six people who died in the shooting outside a Tucson supermarket during one of her “Congress on Your Corner" events on January 8, 2011. This trailhead memorializes Gabe and his love for the outdoors and the Arizona Trail.