I got to bag the last of the 3 major peaks in the Rincons, and got to do it in some...interesting...weather. It was pretty nasty on New Years Day, but the forecast said the rain would go away by 5ish, so we thought that worst-case we'd have to start the hike that afternoon in ponchos. To our surprise, things had cleared up by the time we reached the trailhead at around 1pm.

We were dry for the entire hike to Juniper Basin, but we were hiking in clouds for the last mile and a half or so. As we were setting up camp it started raining, and that went on until just about the time of night when it would've turned to snow. This made for some fun shaking the frozen raindrops off of our tents the next day.

Altogether, the camping experience was very wet and cold. Despite a valiant effort, it was impossible to get a real fire going. The toilet was impossible to find in the dark, though in the morning we discovered it about 30 yds from the creek off the path between sites 1 and 2. I don't think the temps got far below freezing, but my 22 degree sleeping bag was about at its limit.

The hiking on this trip was worth the trouble though. TVR trail, which I had been on a few times before, is always great, and the area from Juniper Basin to the summit (which we experienced for the first time on this clear morning with a fresh dusting of snow) is amazing. There was water everywhere, and that made the hike down from Cowhead Saddle to the Manning Camp Trail particularly enjoyable. By the time we reached the Quilter Trail it was a slog, but this was a great 27 hours in the mountains.

So I'm posting late. Had to go to work ya know.

I met up with Jim for the cross town drive just before 10:00. By 10:30 we were on the trail. For a perfect Saturday morning, there weren't many people out, at least not beyond the first mile or so.

It had been quite a while since I was on this trail and I had certainly forgotten how looonng it was to the peak. I had been wanting to get back here for the last couple of years. Now, it's out of my system and It can wait another 3 or 4 years. If you live in Tucson, this is a "must bag" peak, but I wouldn't really suggest rushing down here just to tag it.

As usual, getting out is what it's all about, so chalk up another successful day.

My first hike on the ridge. It is a pleasant trail with excellent desert flora. Wonderful views of the Catalina range. Most will prefer pants for the current tall grass. Only a couple catclaw bushes nagging above 5k.

The highlight of the day was the perfect weather. Puffy clouds, cool temps, light breezes and clear views. Plenty of other hikes I prefer around Tucson. Nevertheless it's good to learn up on some new terrain!

Carried 3 quarts, almost used 1.

Wildflowers
Few areas with some nondescript yellow daisy clusters.

The green seed capsules on desert cotton bushes look plump! Probably ready to turn brown soon?

A 6 AM start. The trail is mostly shaded for the first 45 minutes, until the sun finally climbs high enough to wash the ridge in light. The temp was around 78, with a light breeze manifesting itself from the east, keeping me cool as I climb the ridge. Only two other hikers on the ridge. I go farther than I intended (don't we all), but that's ok, my morning is clear. I stop on a slab of rock to devour a blueberry muffin I had gotten at QT, then made my way back down the ridge. A great hike - I only wish that haze hadn't been present, otherwise the views would have been spectacular.

Up TVR and Cowhead Saddle trails to the Rincon high point at Mica Mountain, an outstanding ridge hike with huge views and gradually changing flora, cactus-to-conifers. Then back down on AZT #9 to the Camino Loma Alta trailhead. Juniper Basin was dry, good water at Manning Camp and Grass Shack. Bike shuttle between start/end.

Post work trip up the ridgeline a ways, good stuff. No one out on the trail today despite the nice overcast. I made it up to about 5000' or so, consistent sprinkles for about 5 minutes was enough to motivate me to turn around. Not that the weather was getting too ugly, but I was watching the big cell move up and over from the Santa Ritas, I just didn't feel like getting soaked. I got sprinkles off and on for the way back, but nothing serious enough to get out my jacket. Bloom is pretty well done, looks like the desert is finally settling into winter, at least for a brief while. Another great trip in the Rincons.

Last Tucson hike of the year, and it did not disappoint. I finally got around to picking up my Saguaro annual pass yesterday, and got in a solid hike. I did not have time to make it up all the way to the peak, but I still managed to get up to almost 5400', so there were good views to be had. I saw just a few hikers close to the TH but had the hike to myself for the majority of the hike. I hope to bag the peak sometime this spring if I can arrange for more time! Great views all around from the ridge.

Started at the Javelina Picnic area and headed up the trail to meet some friends who were starting at at the Douglas Spring Trailhead. It had been maybe a decade since I had been on this trail and I as surprised how steep the first few miles are - wow great workout! I would guess about 4 or 5 miles up the trail there were very small patches of snow in the shade and up near Juniper Basin short stretches of trail covered in snow! (My friends reported 3-6" on higher sections of the trail) I met my friends just after Juniper Basin and we headed down. Great day! My friend Richard on the trail just a few minutes from Juniper Basin http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/8538574828/in/photostream/.

Did this out and back up to Juniper Basin as an overnight. I got a late start around noon on the 27th. Took me 6hrs 15mins to hoof it up the trail with a heavy pack full of water (there was no water at Juniper Basin that I could find, so I was glad I took so much). It was a lovely weekend for a hike--in the mid-70's at the TH. The sun was shining strong and there was very little breeze, so it did feel a tad hotter. Still, it was lovely. Passed maybe only 4 day hikers on my way up; they were all on their way down. Cached some water 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up. The trail was very very well marked with cairns--I think I only got a few feet off in the wrong direction a couple of times before realizing that I should backtrack and find a trusty pile o stones.

Juniper Basin was lovely and just the right brand of solitude. Not a soul to share the little forest-like spot with, and just enough light left to pitch the tent and start a fire. I had planned to make it to up to the peak but a sick cat and trip to the vet in the morning derailed those plans. It was very cool at night--think it got down to mid 30's, at least I could see my breath at 5am when I got up and I know that it got down to 40 3,000ft below. I couldn't tell since I busted out my +10 down in anticipation.

I trucked up out of the little camp at 8am and was back down the trail by noon--exactly 4hrs to make my way. I passed one solo dayhiker on her way up probably only a half mile from Juniper Basin--talk about an early bird getting the worm! My first water cache was empty when I came upon it (evil little critters had chewed their way right through the plastic) and I blew past the second one without even knowing it! I was out of water for the final miles, but luckily it was another lovely day with temps no higher than the mid 70s.

I passed a couple of backpackers on their way up when I was in my last mile or so. They had the same schedule and plan that I had had the day before. I do think they might have had more water than I did and no doubt if they were caching they were smart enough to use critter-proof containers. I'm sure they spent less time cursing than I did!