My big AZT hike next month...

[writelots]

In final excitement for my big AZT hike April 11-15th. Going to head up Turkey Creek to Manning Camp (not really cheating as it was once considered part of the AZT), across Reddington Pass to Molino Basin, then on west past Hutch's and up to Mt. Lemmon. 5 hiking days - 50 miles - over 8,000' elevation gain. Looking forward to some real trail time...

5 days is a comfortable time for me in the backcountry - and I'm familiar with most of the trails I'll be one (except for a few stretches). Some of the reports I've read say that the trails are hard to follow between Hutch's and Romero Pass and up to Lemmon. Anyone have more recent experience? I've not been on them since right after the fire (I know, I'm a slacker). I've got pretty good route-finding skills, but if I need to plan extra time for that part of the hike, it'd be good to know now. Also - does anyone here know when the road to the telescopes opens? Will I have to hike down that road to get my ride back to town?

One other question - in the past, I've hiked up past Hutch's to an area near the junction with the Catherdral Rocks Trail and camped up there. There was creek access there with water - or am I not remembering it right...???

If you're interested in joining in on some or all, let me know - there's always room for more. I have one friend who's bailing at Reddington already, she's just doing the weekend portion. I've got one other companion committed for the whole trip, and so far that's it. We girls are going to rock that hill! :wlift:

[Jeffshadows]

You shouldn't have issues route-finding back in there. Have fun!!

[dysfunction]

If I recall correctly that's a seasonal creek that runs parallel along the west fork trail to Hutch's? For what it's worth, every seasonal creek across from Molino to Hutch's had at least some water in it and were far better choices than say... the reservoir (ew) oh and since it normally irritates me somehow, the loose sand section between Hirabayshi and Shreve Saddle was nicely damp too (as of this past weekend).

[Jeffshadows]

I don't think they have set dates on the gate there for the Observatory Road; last I heard they close it when it's "snowy or icy..."

[dysfunction]

btw, when are you planning on doing Hutch's to Ski Valley?

[writelots]

Doing Hutch's to Ski Valley stretch mostly on Wednesday. I think we will try to hike beyond the pool on Tuesday, to camp a little higher and save ourselves some elevation on Wed. - to that camping spot I'm thinking of...

[Jeffshadows]

Anywhere near Lemmon Creek is a great place to camp

[fricknaley]

Lemmon Creek rocks the house

[writelots]

Don't know if I'll be up for getting as high as Lemmon Creek that night... As nice as it would be, I know I'm gonna be tired. Nice thing is, I can decide when I'm there! That's what I love about backpacking on trails like this one. Too much of my hiking has been done in the GC in areas where I had to make a given camp on a given night, regardless!

[Jeffshadows]

Don't know if I'll be up for getting as high as Lemmon Creek that night... As nice as it would be, I know I'm gonna be tired. Nice thing is, I can decide when I'm there! That's what I love about backpacking on trails like this one. Too much of my hiking has been done in the GC in areas where I had to make a given camp on a given night, regardless!

I think the folks in Saguaro would *prefer* it if you use the established campgrounds, as well. The big difference being they won't come and get you if you don't... ;)

[nonot]

I cannot locate the trail on satellite from the Hutch's pool area anywhere until you reach the Mt Lemmon/Wilderness of Rocks trail intersection but from the satellite photos once there the trail to the peak looks OK. If you would post a GPS track of that area and mark the intersection with the Cathedral Rock trail I would greatly appreciate it.

[Jeffshadows]

Well, the file I have that details the route to Cathedral from Sabino is an an ancient Garmin format from my old GPS and it won't upload on HAZ. I'm trying to convert it, now. Here are some highlights:

Cathedral itself is at: 32.386431, -110.843017
The turnoff to Cathedral from the trail by the same name is at: 32.383060, -110.835357 <- This is the intersection nonot is talking about.

I'll keep trying to get it to post as time permits...

[writelots]

My dog ate my GPS.

I wish I were kidding.

I remember the turn off being well signed and easy to find from the Sabino end. It's just the upper part that's difficult to locate at times, correct? One of these days I've got to do the hike up and over that trail. It's just about the only thing on the front range I haven't got checked off the list. That and Soldier canyon... (then it's onto the stuff on the west and north faces...)

[Jeffshadows]

I cannot locate the trail on satellite from the Hutch's pool area anywhere until you reach the Mt Lemmon/Wilderness of Rocks trail intersection but from the satellite photos once there the trail to the peak looks OK. If you would post a GPS track of that area and mark the intersection with the Cathedral Rock trail I would greatly appreciate it.

I got the old file from '03 to convert and posted the route, just now. It isn't super-detailed, but I know a few folks have been looking for this info so I guess it will have to do until my leg heals and I can go plot a better one...

[nonot]

Thanks Jeff!