| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 17.63 Miles |
3,381 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.63 Miles | 5 Hrs 50 Mns | | 3.23 mph |
| 3,381 ft AEG | 23 Mns Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | | What an awesome hike! My plans for a weekend backpack trip were quelled due to the impending weather, and not wanting to get stuck in the mud...work took me to Tucson for a second time this week so I got in a solid grinder to make up for it. This one has been on the radar for a while, and I finally had the time to get it in. I had done Bear Canyon about a mile past the 7 Falls, and I had done Sabino about a mile past the last tram stop, but everything in between was sweet, pristine desert. Got to the parking lot about 11, but I had to circle for almost 15 minutes before finally finding a parking spot. This is quite a feat considering there must be at least 250+ parking spots, but there were droves of retirees and also kids (must be school out for some folks), this had flashes of the Piestewa summit lot. I strongly considered going elsewhere, but I also knew I would have plenty of solitude once past 7 Falls. I really enjoyed the upper reaches of Bear Canyon once past the falls, and the East Fork trail was by far the highlight of the day. Only a few miles long, but boy the views are spectacular, 360 degrees of untouched desert. Everything was really green, and there was a surprising amount of bloom above about 4000'. So many great Sotols, Agaves, and Yuccas to see out here. I kept up a good pace with only a few breaks, at least half of my wait time was spent trying to finish a few work emails before dropping out of cell service for a good 3 hours. Made it back around to Sabino Canyon, I could not bring myself to hike the road this time so I took the Phone Line trail back. What is a little more mileage and AEG, I am a bit of a glutton for punishment, besides the Phone Line trail totally rocks! Much better views than the road, plus many fewer people. Back to the van a bit before 5, my only regret is not getting to make the side trip to Hutch's Pool, but I had to be home to Phoenix by 7:30 to take care of some stuff with the kids. This will be worth doing again for sure! |
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
|
|
  |
Bear Canyon |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Good flow at all elevations |
|
Sabino Canyon |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Good flow, especially up higher in the canyon | | _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
