Looking for insight...

MissCreation · Post by **MissCreation** » Nov 06 2002 10:55 pm

Some friends and I are planning to be in the Tucson vicinity for the week of Thanksgiving and are planning to do some hiking. What do you suggest? The group is an amalgamation of intermediate and advanced hikers who grew up with Yosemite as their backyard. Any help is greatly appreciated.

BoyNhisDog · Post by **BoyNhisDog** » Nov 07 2002 3:55 pm

The Catalina mountains offer many trails and route variations but they are a very rugged range with major elevation changes. You will be rewarded with awesome senery, huge granite walls, and life zones from Lower Sonoran to Sub-Alpine. The further you go the less people you will see. If you don't venture far then you will have a lot of company though. On top of Mt Lemmon in the Catalinas you can jump off onto unreal trails with Aspen groves, meandering streams (although they may not be running right now) and pine needle layered forest. Again you have many trails to choose from depending on your stamina and time.

The Santa Rita Range offers similar. There are many canyons to choose from and once more you can travel from Lower Sonoran to Sub-Alpine zones and back in a day hike. If it is cold the Tucson mtns offer desert hiking through Sahuaro lined terrain with beautiful desert views.

South to Sierra Vista the Huachucas are a "wet"range with butterfly laden valleys and high treed peaks. Many canyons to choose from. This is a steep rugged range but what range around here isn't.

As you probably know, the drought has left many water sources dry so carry at the very least 3 liters and preferably more of water per person.

It really depends on how much turkey you are going to eat and how much of an effort you are wanting to put out. Most of the trails are major work if you are going far.

You can do just about anything you want around the Tucson Valley. Good luck and tell us about it.

landsinaz · Post by **landsinaz** » Nov 07 2002 5:03 pm

GLen gave you all the greatest suggestions! If you have more that one day, a side trip down to the Chiracahuas or the National Monument is definately worth the time! Have fun and be safe!

Sredfield · Post by **Sredfield** » Nov 07 2002 6:49 pm

My recommendation would be Mt Wrightson.

Lizard · Post by **Lizard** » Nov 07 2002 10:34 pm

Everyone has given great suggestions. The link below is another good hike.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=254

There is a lot of good hiking in the Tucson area.

Frank Thomas · Post by **Frank Thomas** » Nov 08 2002 8:39 am

Everyone has given you great places to hike. One of my favorite for a mixed group is in the Pusch Ridge wilderness area. It starts at the top of Mt. Lemmon, which is also a pleasure just driving to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Drive to the trailhead of the Lemmon Rock trail. I would suggest going down Lemmon Rock Trail (2.0 miles), west across the Wilderness of Rocks (2.3 miles), and then up the Mt. Lemmon trail(3.5 miles) which takes you right back to your car. It's a great loop with wonderful scenery. Whenever I've been on the Mt. Lemmon Trail, I always go about 5 minutes past the intersection of Mt. Lemmon Trail and Wilderness of Rocks to a huge rock (about 50' by 50' and relatively flat) that provides views everywhere except east. Once back to your car you have the pleasure of being close to Summerhaven and a good drink and meal, though be patient as the service is terribly slow at every restaurant.

If you follow any of the suggestions given to you, you'll have a blast.

Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life.