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I would like to attempt to incorporate this as a shuttle hike and take the Mt. Lemmon Trail over to sullivan and go back down that way. This would be pretty long (over 18 miles, I believe) and I would need someone who wants to try it and provide a car. I've also heard the Sullivan Trail is a disaster, hoping maybe going downhill might make things a little bit easier (??). Leaving my house at 5:30am.

I think you mean Sutherland

Going up Romero & down Sutherland would be a loop as you'd end up where you began. For a shuttle how about up Romero and down Pima Canyon, Esperero, Ventana, or Sabino?

I like the Sabino option. can you drive all way up to that TH? i think i read in my book that you need to take a shuttle to the actual TH for some reason. Is that still in effect today (the book is kind of old by now)?

Sabino has a lots and lots of parking. There is a shuttle that goes about 2 miles up the canyon from the visitor center. I've never taken it, but it looks like it would be fun for lame people.

Seems one of those lower elevation shuttles would be a better option for staying out of snow conditions too.

joe bartels wrote:Seems one of those lower elevation shuttles would be a better option for staying out of snow conditions too.

Off trail 14 miles thru cactus up and down 5 canyon/ravines....and a little snow you.

yes

In response to joe bartels:
You should be stripped of your snowy avatar then. ;)

What's the best time of year for hiking from mt lemmon down to the Hutch's pool area? May/Sept?

I would say late spring. There still might be snow on top, but it shouldn't be too bad because that side of the Catalinas is facing south, and there should be water.

nonot wrote:What's the best time of year for hiking from mt lemmon down to the Hutch's pool area? May/Sept?

Early fall; that way you can swim. The rest of the year it's too hot (exposed) or the water is freezing.

Sutherland is still there and route-finding shouldn't be a challenge. The trail is in awful shape, though.

route finding on sutherland is/was a pain in the $#% when i did it. i don't know what it's like now. worse would be my guess.

nickfraley wrote:route finding on sutherland is/was a pain in the $#% when i did it. i don't know what it's like now. worse would be my guess.

You've been there more recently than I have so I would advise anyone to go with what Nick says. I would suggest going up Sutherland and down Romero...

Jeff MacE wrote:I would suggest going up Sutherland and down Romero...

me too

I have final exams on the Monday and Wednesday following this event so it looks like I'm out. I'm good the following weekend, however.

I forgot all about this one. I'll know more in a week if I can go. Is the hike Romero to Sabino now?

joe bartels wrote:Is the hike Romero to Sabino now?

Only if we can get a 2nd car for a shuttle.

I'm really iffy on this one now. My ankle is much better than it was 3 days ago, but I'm not sure if it's wise to attempt a hike this rough while still injured. Bruises have developed along either side of my foot along the bottom, and my Achilles heel is sore in the mornings. I can still hike, but probably better to try something a little easier so as to not re-aggravate it. If I feel better by the end of the week, I may repost this. I probably will repost whatever hike I eventually decide to do. Sorry if this disappoints or otherwise causes a problem with anyone, but i figured it would be better to do this before anyone else commits.