Sierra Pinito

The Sierra Pinito are a very beautiful and biologically rich mountain range that at its upper limit has pure pine forest consisting of Arizona pine (Pinus arizonica). As with many Sky Islands, logging took most old growth pine in the 1940's and 50's, but forest recovery is progressing.

Interestingly there are dense forests of willow-leaf oak (Quercus viminea) in the higher oak woodland and lower pine-oak zone. This is near the northward distribution for the species.

A relatively natural fire regime in this sierra provides a good contrast to nearby mountains just across the border in Arizona where active fire suppression continues.