username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Valentine Peak via Pima Canyon - Catalinas - 1 member in 1 triplog has rated this an average 2 ( 1 to 5 best )
1 triplog
login for filter options
Oct 13 2022
avatar

 Guides 104
 Routes 256
 Photos 16,118
 Triplogs 528

53 male
 Joined Dec 30 2005
 Tucson, AZ
Valentine Peak via Pima Canyon - CatalinasTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 13 2022
Mike_WTriplogs 528
Hiking10.40 Miles 3,295 AEG
Hiking10.40 Miles   9 Hrs   30 Mns   1.09 mph
3,295 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My route was definitely not the best way at least 2/3 of the way from the canyon trail to the peak. The chute that I took up was steeper than my comfort level, but I was already committed, so I just kept going. At a certain point I saw some cairns then I knew I was on a better route. Not knowing the best route, I ended up hiking to the notch between 2 high points. Once I got there, I realized the peak was the one Northwest of the notch. There are great views of Tucson from the notch. On the way down, I followed a canyon to the bottom. There were some 5 to 6 feet drops. Again, probably not the best way to go. On the registry, someone mentioned a "corkscrew route", but I wasn't able to find any routes posted anywhere for this hike, so I was going at it completely blind.

I saw one 3 foot rattlesnake on the trail about 4 miles from the trailhead. I'm lucky I saw it at the last minute. I was maybe only 6 feet away when I saw it. It did not rattle until I stomped my feet a bit. I wonder whether it sensed me and didn't think I was a threat or if it didn't even know I was there!

At the top I found 2 glass jars. The tops were rusted and one of the jars seemed to be jammed shut. I was able to finally open it, hoping the glass wouldn't shatter and it did not, luckily. I expected only a small number of names on the registry, but saw many, some as old as 1990, I believe. I believe the last logged summit was Jeff L. in May 2019. Nothing newer than that, I believe, so I may have been the first person in the last 3.5 years.

Caution: For the final 50-60 foot climb, you need to be a good climber and not afraid of heights, or use some kind of rope. I could not find any better way to get up this. Going down this steep section was a challenge also. I just took my time.

Note: My AEG was 3,295 feet
_____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
Image
  1 archive
average hiking speed 1.09 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker