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Why not make Blacketts Ridge harder?! by Jeffshadows  Background On 31 July 2006, Sabino Canyon experienced a massive flood event. The result was devastation of the infrastructure and many of the recreation sites. The flood waters and slides that resulted also heavily damaged many of the hiking trails in Sabino, closing some for over a year. This minor link trail is once such trail that has recently (Fall 2008) been completely restored by the Forest Service. Hike To reach the Telephone Line Link Trail, #27A, or "Link trail"; follow the paved course of Sabino road to the first tram stop. Just beyond the tram stop, a trail descends steeply into Sabino creek, below. Follow this trail and cross the creek at a convenient place. Just across the creek the Dam trail will be encountered, turn left take up its course for a 2/10ths of a mile walk northeast to the signed junction with the Link trail. Alternatively, follow the Dam trail from the Bear Canyon trail-head at the parking lot and avoid the road, altogether. The Link trail begins to climb immediately. The entire course of its travel is an ascent of the north canyon wall below the Saddle-back (Blackett's Ridge) and it switchbacks continuously to gain roughly 900' of elevation by the time it connects with the Telephone Line trail #27. After about a half-dozen switchbacks, the trail encounters a signed junction with a side trail departing up-canyon to a series of picnic sites. The switchbacks continue and the view of Sabino below becomes even more dazzling. At the end of a long switchback roughly 1/2-mile in, a small, improved vista is encountered. There is a large boulder facilitating a place to sit and take in unobstructed views of the entire canyon and the Front Range of the Catalinas. After leaving the vista, the trail rounds a dozen or so more switchbacks and turns sharply into a junction with the Telephone Line trail. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
