I've been hoarding Ventana Canyon for a while, a delayed gratification type of thing. Why? Because I knew it would be my favorite Catalina front range canyon climb once I finally did it. I've always heard that Ventana was awesome; very rugged, wild and lush. Well, all of these attributes are totally true. I had been getting antsy to do a big climb and figured it was finally time for this one.

The trail is surprisingly easy to follow all the way up. Someone dedicated soul has placed the most extenstive cairn network I have seen in a while and this is quite helpful as the trail makes multiple canyon crossings.

The window is sweet! It was windy and cold up there. Had to bust out my new fleece. Went beyond the window a short ways and scrambled up to the summit overlooking the Window. The views in every direction are among the best in the Catalinas. It was cool to scramble around and explore a bit in the high country up there.

I did not see anyone until I was about 2/3 of the way down. Then there was quite a few people. Very nice day.