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I haven't been to the Tucson area yet, but will be there in early April for the weekend. Any recommendations on a hike that gives a good overall Tucson experience? Probably just a day hike, maybe 4-8 miles or so. Hoping for some good desert foliage and a nice view.

Thanks!

Ventana Canyon for an easier outing... Finger Rock trail to Mt. Kimbell for the really great day hike, but it is a bit on the harder side.

Oh, a lurker!

As for the hikes, what he said. It'll be a bit crowded, though.

I did the Bug Springs Trail on Monday, and I highly recommend it. It has a little bit of everything.
Both Ventana and Finger Rock are strenuous with over 4000' of AEG, but very worthwhile.
I also recommend Pima Canyon.
In early April anything higher than about 6,000' may be too muddy. There is still a lot of snow in the areas past Geology Vista.

Hmm...Most areas, the Catalinas don't get too muddy because of the nature of the soil. However, some of the trails are hard to follow if there is a lot of snow--they sort of disappear.

Go up Hugh Norris to Wasson Peak.

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate all the good info!

I second Hugh Norris - premier desert and view. Cacti should be blooming - will be spectacular!

Pima Canyon or Ventana if you want to find water, though.

I'll third Norris to Wasson... at least now, while it's still cool

Yea, I did it in July once and never made that mistake again!!

jeffmacewen wrote:Yea, I did it in July once and never made that mistake again!!

Yeah - it's pretty miserable July-Sept. Though, I've been on one or two moonlight hikes that weren't too bad that time of year. Without the sun, it cools down fairly fast out there.

Of course, there's always the threat of monsoons then... lightning storms on a bald peak!

I've done it as a trail-run in July.. at 5am... bout the only time/way I'd do it. You're not, however, really gonna take in the scenery.

I think if I felt the need to run Wasson I'd come from Sweetwater; much wider and cleaner trail that way...