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Esperero Trail #25 - 33 members in 189 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 10  Next
189 triplogs
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Feb 28 2025
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2025
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking6.13 Miles 2,057 AEG
Hiking6.13 Miles   2 Hrs   1 Min   3.31 mph
2,057 ft AEG      10 Mns Break1 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
To Cardiac Gap. Delightful morning.
_____________________
hi
 
Jan 12 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 262
 Photos 864
 Triplogs 266

51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Rattlesnake lollipop plus, AZ 
Esperero Rattlesnake lollipop plus, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 12 2025
JackluminousTriplogs 266
Hiking4.24 Miles 806 AEG
Hiking4.24 Miles   2 Hrs   15 Mns   1.96 mph
806 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Wifey and I on a hiker date! Took the connector to Esperero from the overflow lot, then cut over to Rattlesnake and the road. Did the road walk back to Esperero, then hiked until we decided it was going to get dark if we didn’t turn around. So we went back to the car. Had dinner at Zinburger. Yum.
 
Jan 11 2025
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 11 2025
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking6.30 Miles 2,057 AEG
Hiking6.30 Miles
2,057 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Cardiac Gap with my brother. He nailed it. Perfect weather day!
_____________________
hi
 
Jan 05 2025
avatar

 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 05 2025
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking6.20 Miles 2,041 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles   2 Hrs   17 Mns   2.88 mph
2,041 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
from the overflow lot to cardiac gap after work. nice and cool. only a few people. beautiful
_____________________
hi
 
Jan 01 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 262
 Photos 864
 Triplogs 266

51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero to Cardiac Gap via overflow, AZ 
Esperero to Cardiac Gap via overflow, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 01 2025
JackluminousTriplogs 266
Hiking6.47 Miles 1,991 AEG
Hiking6.47 Miles   3 Hrs   38 Mns   2.41 mph
1,991 ft AEG      57 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Afternoon hike to the gap from the overflow lot. Lots of people out today. Passed a guy with a fabulously loaded pack on his way to loop around Cathedral and Hutch’s Pool. He said it was around 80 pounds (including two gallons of water and a full jar of peanut butter). Definitely not my style of backpacking but he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his trip, and I can’t argue that rucking 80 pounds up Cardiac Gap (not to mention over the pass below Cathedral) is pretty darn impressive. HYOH!
 
Dec 27 2024
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 Routes 30
 Photos 893
 Triplogs 28

male
 Joined Oct 14 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 27 2024
BubbaJuiceTriplogs 28
Hiking9.37 Miles 2,687 AEG
Hiking9.37 Miles   4 Hrs   14 Mns   2.33 mph
2,687 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I went from the parking lot to the canyon and back. The up was pretty difficult but very doable, a good intensity. Also the trail had a good surface. However, going upwards I had no idea where the trail was going because there is a giant ridge you must climb to see Cathedral Rock, etc. The view and reveal at the Cardiac Gap is pretty amazing and Wrightson always managed to peak out in any view. At that point, my legs were pretty tired but the shade that was offered from the other side of the ridge was refreshing. The forest in the canyon surpassed my expectations in its extent and was a nice spot to turn around. On the way back, immediately after rising out of the canyon, we missed the astounding and expansive view, so make sure to look back at the view before descending into the canyon (check out my photos). The way back was pretty easy on the legs, making it enjoyable. I only went through 1.5 liters of water. This hike would be easier if I actually hiked often.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Esperero Canyon
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
There were a few orange trees in Esperero Canyon.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There was a purple one and a yellow one I saw once each.

dry Bird Canyon Dry Dry

dry Esperero Canyon Dry Dry
Dry anywhere you would ever go. There was flowing water at 32.34664, -110.82930 even though it last rained Nov 6.
_____________________
Check out my benchmarks website :D : https://bubbajuice.github.io/benchmarks WIP!
 
Dec 05 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Dec 05 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.60 Miles 750 AEG
 Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   5 Mns   3.32 mph
750 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Sunset hike starting at the Sabino overflow parking lot, going up Esperero shortcut to Esperero, down Esperero and then Rattlesnake, Bluff Trail past Sabino Dam, and then back on Sabino Canyon Road to the overflow lot where I started. Great sunset color and puffy clouds, plus fall color along Sabino Creek.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 30 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 30 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.20 Miles 400 AEG
 Hiking3.20 Miles      54 Mns   3.56 mph
400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Evening hike up Esperero, down Rattlesnake, past Sabino Dam, and then back on Sabino Canyon Road to the overflow lot where I started.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 25 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 25 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.30 Miles 400 AEG
 Hiking3.30 Miles      57 Mns   3.47 mph
400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Evening hike up Esperero, down Rattlesnake, past Sabino Dam, and then back on Bear Canyon Road to the overflow lot where I started.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 23 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 23 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.70 Miles 400 AEG
 Hiking3.70 Miles   1 Hour      3.70 mph
400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Evening hike up Esperero, down Rattlesnake, past Sabino Dam, and then back on Bear Canyon Road to the overflow lot where I started.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 20 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 20 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.60 Miles 745 AEG
 Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   6 Mns   3.27 mph
745 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Esperero shortcut to Esperero to Rattlesnake to Sabino Canyon Road to Bluff Trail, over the stone house hill and back to the overflow lot. The sun is setting so early, can’t wait for longer days.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 18 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 18 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking4.00 Miles 750 AEG
 Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   12 Mns   3.33 mph
750 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Esperero shortcut to Esperero to Rattlesnake to Sabino Canyon Road to Bluff Trail, Sabino Dam, and back to overflow lot trail via Bear Canyon Road. Nice new bathrooms have been put in near Sabino Dam picnic area, all ready to be soiled.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 12 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 12 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.70 Miles 440 AEG
 Hiking3.70 Miles   1 Hour      3.70 mph
440 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Esperero shortcut-Rattlesnake-Sabino Dam loop.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
  1 archive
Nov 07 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
 Hiking avatar Nov 07 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
 Hiking3.20 Miles 640 AEG
 Hiking3.20 Miles      55 Mns   3.49 mph
640 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After work shorty at sunset from Sabino overflow parking lot, up Esperero shortcut (social trail) to Esperero Trail, down Esperero to Sabino Canyon Road, and then back on the road. Closed the loop with the spur trail back to overflow lot.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Oct 19 2024
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 Triplogs 3

male
 Joined Feb 25 2024
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Trail #25Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2024
TheTrailWeBlazeTriplogs 3
Hiking8.00 Miles 2,421 AEG
Hiking8.00 Miles   4 Hrs   30 Mns   1.78 mph
2,421 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I went partially up Esperero Trail for 4mi from the Sabino visitor center, to right around the ridgeline that borders Esperero Canyon on the east. It was a nice desert foothills hike, especially the section nearer to Sabino Canyon. Around 3mi from the visitor center the trail starts to become steep and rocky as it ascends north, and there is more overgrowth on the trail. If you wear shorts, your legs will by itchy by the end. Large swaths of the canyon you ascend are completely overtaken with buffelgrass.

I saw a handful of people on the trail, but it felt pretty empty compared to the crowds back in Sabino Canyon.

The views are good of Tucson to the south, especially up at the ridgeline before Esperero. There you can see the Santa Ritas, the Sierritas, Baboquivari, and even the Huachucas to the south, and Cathedral Rock rising up to the north. Esperero looked nice and shaded among the riparian trees, but I turned around before making it down into the canyon.
  1 archive
Sep 22 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 262
 Photos 864
 Triplogs 266

51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Sabino Esperero Rattlesnake lollipop, AZ 
Sabino Esperero Rattlesnake lollipop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 22 2024
JackluminousTriplogs 266
Hiking3.00 Miles 276 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   2.57 mph
276 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
Evening hike with wifey. Her first hike since bunion surgery and she did great! Walked the road on the way back in the dark.
  2 archives
Sep 21 2024
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 Routes 7
 Photos 45
 Triplogs 7

male
 Joined May 22 2024
 Tucson, AZ
The Window via VentanaTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 21 2024
hewenthatwayTriplogs 7
Hiking15.27 Miles 4,530 AEG
Hiking15.27 Miles   11 Hrs   57 Mns   1.55 mph
4,530 ft AEG   2 Hrs   6 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
2.13mi - 7:41am | 0h 57m
Slight split. Blocked off with cairns. Very steep

2.31mi - 7:51am | 1h 6m
Erosion barriers

6.07mi - 10:53am | 4h 9m
Downed tree

6.70mi - 11:33am | 4h 48m
Tree down

12.12mi - 4:45pm | 10h 0m
Cool photo opp of Tucson
 
Jun 09 2024
avatar

 Routes 7
 Photos 45
 Triplogs 7

male
 Joined May 22 2024
 Tucson, AZ
Window PeakTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hike & Climb avatar Jun 09 2024
hewenthatwayTriplogs 7
Hike & Climb16.11 Miles 6,240 AEG
Hike & Climb16.11 Miles   10 Hrs   54 Mns   1.69 mph
6,240 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
3.20mi - 4:59am | 2h 26m
Linda Vista Saddle

4.69mi - 6:03am | 3h 30m
Finger Rock trail #42 and Pima Canyon trail 62 connecting junction

6.41mi - 6:53am | 4h 20m
Blue flag on steel wire

6.50mi - 6:56am | 4h 23m
Finger Rock trail #42 END
Ventana trail #98
Esperero trail #25
connecting junction

7.65mi - 7:47am | 5h 13m
“The Window”

8.17mi - 8:36am | 6h 3m
Window Peak
 
Apr 28 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 262
 Photos 864
 Triplogs 266

51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Esperero Rattlesnake Sabino Bear loop, AZ 
Esperero Rattlesnake Sabino Bear loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 28 2024
JackluminousTriplogs 266
Hiking3.95 Miles 431 AEG
Hiking3.95 Miles   1 Hour   54 Mns   2.19 mph
431 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Wifey went to Seven Falls yesterday and I just returned from a 31-mile jaunt in the Rincons, so our feet hurt. We both swore we wouldn’t do Sabino today. Yet there we were, doing stuff in Sabino… surely there is a medical diagnosis for this.

We did this loop on the recommendation of a park ranger. Wifey had tried it weeks ago and got lost (lousy signage and too many social trails), but we figured it out this time. It’s a nice route to see a lot of what lower Sabino has to offer.
 
Apr 03 2024
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Catalinas Loop, AZ 
Catalinas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2024
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking21.81 Miles 5,012 AEG
Hiking21.81 Miles   12 Hrs   13 Mns   2.00 mph
5,012 ft AEG   1 Hour   20 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Matt gave me several big options, and this one looked the likely to kill me. Parked at the Sabino Visitor Center at 0600 and made our way over to the Phoneline Trail. Easy uphill on that one, mostly in the shade. Continued up Sabino.

Once we arrived at the intersection with West Fork and East Fork, the fun began. We turned left onto West Fork, and immediately had to cross the water. The shallowest point we could find was about knee level. Oh well, I guess dry feet won’t be happening on this hike. Got across the water, but spent the next five miles continually crossing water. The largest crossing was thigh deep for me, and was a matter of gripping every tree possible to get across. The water felt good though, because it was warming up.

Had lunch at the junction with Cathedral Rock Trail. Prime rib makes for an excellent hiking lunch. I think we passed five AZT backpackers thru this section, including the human version of Ned Flanders, which provided some comic relief.

A slog up Cathedral Rock trail, but the views made up for it. Some recent trail work. Small amount of snow on the upper reaches. Once over the saddle, it was a long descent. Tons of water in Esperero, but all were crossable (barely) by rock hopping. Seemed like the descent took forever, but was easy. Finished up around 1815, making for a full day of hiking. Great loop, lots of fun, thank you Matt for the invitation!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Lots of flowers.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
average hiking speed 2.14 mph
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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.

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