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MARANA - The brand-new Wild Burro Trailhead opened in October, with plenty of amenities the old trailhead simply didn't have.

"All the landscape, all the plant material is the same stuff you'll find as you take your hike. We've had some great rain, this area was hydro-seeded. We've got desert marigolds, brittle brush", said Tom Ellis with the town of Marana.

Hikers will also find a picnic ramada, restrooms and benches with stunning views of the Tucson Mountains, Santa Ritas and Tortolitas.

As any avid hiker knows, to stay on course watch for cairns. The ones at the Wild Burro Trailhead are super-sized, because they double as artwork.

"The trailhead was funded with Pima County bond money and some of that money is set aside for art projects. We worked with a local artist Robin Riley who designed and built these rock cairns", said Ellis.

Those who hike the Wild Burro Trail often welcome the changes. "I was here last year on the old trailhead and the change is tremendous. We've got a beautiful area to park, washrooms that are handy which are very important after a long drive to the trailhead", said David Colpitts with the Green Valley Hiking Club.

A hiker-friendly gateway to the trails in the Tortolita Mountains.

The Town of Marana will have an official dedication for the new Wild Burro Trailhead on Saturday, February 11th at 10 AM. A guided hike will follow the ceremony. To RSVP for the hike, please call (520) 382-1950 by February 8th.