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| Hiking | 6.27 Miles |
1,560 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.27 Miles | 3 Hrs 12 Mns | | 1.96 mph |
| 1,560 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | The first half mile of Trail #20 is heavily forested, bracken fern underlying mostly quaking aspen. The trail then enters the Bighorn Fire burn area. A few small trees or large shrubs are still standing, but the trail is otherwise exposed. Post-fire shrub growth crowds the nice trail surface in several spots. Fendler’s ceanothus, a flowering shrub, was quite common. There were lots of buzzing things amongst the flowers, so I was spreading positive waves to anything which might sting.
I briefly lost the trail in one of several rocky sections. The trail has some nice, small, boulders the final third of a mile to Marshall Saddle. I’d met two hikers along the way, and several more were enjoying the shade, or climbing up from wilderness. I didn’t dally long, quickly turning onto Trail #93. (On which, ironically, I don’t recall any actual quaking aspen.)
Pine trees provided spot shade along the first half mile of Trail #93. The trail surface was still decent, but there were a few step-ups, and sections where a fall could send you for a long tumble. Some nice views were visible through the trees.
The final mile of Trail #93 resembles Trail #20, in that it was heavily fire-damaged, exposed, and occasionally brushy. Fewer flowers though, but more than in the pines. It climbs a hair over 1,000 ft. in 1½ miles. It’s the same 13.1% grade as North Mountain, but double the gain, and no pavement. I thought the climb gained 1,600 ft., so that was a relief! 
The antenna farm access road continues to climb as it heads a half mile west to the summit. After the blow up Trail #93, it was barely noticeable. I was surprised how many civilian vehicles were on top of Mount Lemmon: I thought it would just be a few comm guys. There’s actually a $8 / day pay lot! Unfortunately, just before I reached the true summit, at the observatory, my way was barred by a locked gate. 
After some lunch, I doubled back through the antenna farm. Rather than head down Trail #93, the longer route back, I stayed on the dirt road as it got steep and rocky. I guess the old-timers didn’t believe in switchbacks. I slipped twice, but managed not to fall. Though tired, it was easier to keep moving as everytime I stopped my quadricep would tremor. (Going downhill is harder than you think.) I finished at 2:00 p.m., and it was off to La Hacienda in Oro Valley for dinner!
Rumble Video: https://rumble.com/v57u6jx-hiking-mount ... pring.html
Vimeo Video: https://vimeo.com/988018628 |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
