Kentucky Camp Tour-Historic Mining in the Santa Rita Foothills

Representatives of the Friends of Kentucky Camp and Coronado National Forest will be leading a tour of the Kentucky Camp Historic District located approximately an hour and a half southeast of Tucson, near the community of Sonoita. Beginning in the 1870s the eastern hills of the Santa Rita Mountains were the site of extensive gold mining camps. In 1904 hydraulic mining was introduced to the Santa Ritas with the construction of a water system by wealthy investors. Kentucky Camp was constructed to manage this new mining operation. While the mining venture was short-lived, Kentucky Camp would be converted into a cattle ranch, before being transferred to the Forest Service who has invested in preserving the original structures as a historic site and rental cabins. The tour will lead through the five restored historic adobe structures and the elaborate hydraulic system that powered the mine in Boston Gulch. Set in the scenic Santa Rita foothills, the tour promises to explore the skillfully preserved history of mining communities in southern Arizona. 

The trip is limited to 20 people, and you must be an AAHS member to participate. High-clearance vehicles are not required to reach Kentucky Camp.

There will be approximately 1.5 miles of hiking over a well-graded trail, with a small portion being uphill. Be sure to bring drinking water, sunscreen, hat, and hiking boots.

To sign up, email aahs1916@gmail.com.