Best Mt Lemmon Intro Hike?

[SpiderLegs]

I almost hate to admit this, especially seeing that I used to live 2 miles from the base of Mt Lemmon right on Catalina Hwy. But I've ridden my bike up and down Mt Lemmon about a thousand times back in college and hiked at best a mile off the highway in order to get to my rock climbing spots. Heading down for a weekend with my folks and would like to do something that's 3-4 hours long (6-10 miles or so). What's a good spot that won't be too crowded if I get there early in the morning?

[azbackpackr]

I like Wilderness of Rocks, starting at Marshall Gulch.

[fricknaley]

@SpiderLegs
Mt Lemmon/Lemmon Rock Loop

[chumley]

^^ what he said.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=19425

[SpiderLegs]

Alright, that's a solid choice and on my short list, but I should have clarified this on the original post. I'm hiking with my fiancé this weekend and need something a tad bit mellower. She can handle the mileage, not the AEG yet.

[chumley]

In that case, I'd go with the Aspen/Marshall Loop. You can add some mileage by going out on the WOR, but you won't get to the scenic stuff without putting in more mileage and elevation than I think you want.

Alternately you can check the Aspen Draw Trail to Meadow #5a. Meadow gets into some burn area but is still pretty nice with open views. You can stop at the Lemmon Rock Lookout too (though I believe it's not longer open to visitors -- it's still a neat spot). You can skip Aspen Draw if you just want to do Meadow. Or you can hike the road in one direction instead of doing an out and back on Aspen Draw.