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| Hiking | 14.87 Miles |
3,278 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.87 Miles | 5 Hrs 48 Mns | | 2.75 mph |
| 3,278 ft AEG | 24 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | The last weekend in September is our annual rim to rim hike. But the Dragon Bravo fire scuttled this year’s plan.
So, instead, we opted to do a substitute hike in the Catalinas.
We were hoping that the rain this week would result in some running water on Bear Canyon and at the 7 falls, but just some damp ground in the creekbed and pools at the falls. I’m sure it was my decision hike in Tevas that guaranteed we’d keep our feet dry.
Above the falls was new tread for me. And the more I hike in the Catalinas, the more I like them. The canyon and the surrounding mountains have a lot of character. Although the rains didn’t result in flowing water, the desert was clearly soaking up the moisture. Much more green everywhere, and flowers blossoming and butterflies flying around like it was spring.
Didn’t think we’d see anyone past the falls until the sabino side, but this is clearly a trail running staple, as we crossed paths with no less than 6 groups or single runners on the loop.
Once we reached the sabino junction, our prayers for running water were answered, and the flows could be heard gurgling along below us.
The clouds threatened rain most of the day, but other than a brief light sprinkle, nothing materialized on the trail.
As we reached the shuttle junction, the sun came out and we opted to take the ride back to the TH, as we’d done the Phoneline previously.
We were happy with our choice and used the saved hour to make the drive up Mount Lemmon and back—a first for me. What a gorgeous drive!
They were having an Octoberfest event at the ski resort. We popped our heads in a looked around a bit before making the device back down.
Grabbed dinner at the Viva Mexican restaurant right off the road as we got back to Tucson. Food was fine, it we were the only customers on a Saturday evenly at dinner, which makes me think the restaurant’s days are numbered.
Beautiful sunset as we drove back to Phoenix. |
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