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A link to the past. by Jeffshadows History The Tucson Mountain Park area was the site of numerous Hohokam villages and farms from approximately 200 to 1450 AD. As a consequence, the Park now boasts a variety of sites for us to visit which allow us to experience their culture, first-hand. Signal Hill is so named for the series of petroglyph panels that adorn the rocks at its apex. One of the most notable is a large single spiral that faces the summer sun at noon. Some historians believe that presence of this spiral indicates that the area one housed a reliable spring. Nearby panels include zoomorphs of bighorn sheep, snakes, and what might possibly be a frog. Countless other symbols are also present, many human-like; including a human mirror-image. When the Park was created in 1933 the site was protected. Hike The trail is quite brief and well-maintained. It consists of two minor wash crossings and a series of developed stone steps. The course of the track is wide and sandy. Informational signs are present at various points, and the trail intersects both the Manville and Cactus Wren trails providing possibilities to make longer trips to nearby attractions. Shortly after the second wash crossing a small informational panel stands just off the trail near where one of the best views of the lower panels can be obtained. The trail makes its final ascent through the basalt boulders near the apex of the hill and ends at a cordoned-off vista with great views of the ranges to the west, and, of course, the petroglyph panels nearby. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Signal Hill
Did a nice loop from Ez-Kim-in-Zin parking lot...I did all of Encinas, then hiked the 0.4 mi back to Cactus Wren and took it south to Signal Hill. From Signal Hill I followed the road out of that picnic area to the Wild Dog Trail. I took Wild Dog to the end, then did Valley View real quick and back, then picked up Bajada Wash heading south to Hohokam Road, where I crossed the road to pick up the west end of Hugh Norris. I took Hugh Norris to Sendero Esparanza going north to return to Ez-Kim-in-Zin parking lot.
Encinas was part wash and part old road, a slight decline down to Cactus Wren. The others were ok also...the better trail was Hugh Norris for sure. Nice views. It incidentally was the real trail with any notable elevation (though Sendero Esparanza was a quick drop of elevation from the ridgeline that Hugh Norris started off as and continued as, on the way to Amole & Wasson Peaks).
Encinas was part wash and part old road, a slight decline down to Cactus Wren. The others were ok also...the better trail was Hugh Norris for sure. Nice views. It incidentally was the real trail with any notable elevation (though Sendero Esparanza was a quick drop of elevation from the ridgeline that Hugh Norris started off as and continued as, on the way to Amole & Wasson Peaks).
2015-04-13 azdesertfather
Signal Hill
Good times in the Tucson mountains. Hiked the Sendero Esperanza trail on up to Wasson peak, made it up in 1:10 with no stops. Quick stop up at the peak for the views, hazy day so not as good as usual. I scrambled up Amole Peak on the way back to check out the big white antenna that I could see the whole ridgeline. Nothing too exciting...Lots of good bloom out here right now, Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi), Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) and Bahia (Bahia absinthifolia) all in great color, especially on the southern slopes. Even saw some nice Desert Zinnia (Zinnia acerosa) tucked in here and there that were blooming nicely. After finishing up the hike, I made a quick side trip to Signal Hill on my way to Sanderio Road. Definitely some impressive petroglyphs, worth a trip if you are in the area.
2014-10-28 The_Dude
