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Heliograph Peak Loop - 14 members in 66 triplogs have rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4  Next
66 triplogs
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Jun 24 2025
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 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 24 2025
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.50 Miles 1,050 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
1,050 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Sunrise start
Counter loop up the service road, down Arcadia trail.
Outstanding views on top as always.
Very green throughout.
Stopped for an hour at Shannon to talk with friends.
Light rain fell at the end.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 18 2024
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 Guides 7
 Routes 79
 Photos 2,440
 Triplogs 652

34 male
 Joined Jan 10 2010
 Pomona, CA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 18 2024
PatrickL • Triplogs 652
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Autumn - Color Foliage
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Extreme
_____________________
 
Sep 29 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ 
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 29 2024
johnlp • Triplogs 5,208
Hiking8.17 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking8.17 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Moonshine Creek
Heliograph Peak Loop
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Ladybug Peak 8780
Partners partners
The_Eagle
trekkin_gecko
Last day of a three day tour in the Pinalenos. First up was Moonshine Creek. Supposed to be an easy hike, but with the blowdown and overgrowth we got some exercise. Views at the end were worth the effort.
Heliograph Peak trail is in good shape and scenic. Went up 80' into the tower for the views and cooling breeze. Nice fall colored aspens.
On the drive out we stopped for a quick hike up the scenic Ladybug Peak trail. Short and sweet.
Great trip with the Eagle and gecko! Thanks you two. :)
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Sep 29 2024
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ 
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 29 2024
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660
Hiking8.17 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking8.17 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Moonshine Creek
Heliograph Peak Loop
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Ladybug Peak 8780
Partners partners
johnlp
The_Eagle
coffee and breakfast at first light
packed up and headed down the road to cunningham campground
set out on the overgrown grant creek trail, cross moonshine creek, then followed a forest road out to a really nice lookout point
came back on the roads
next up was heliograph loop from shannon campground
probably the nicest trail of the trip
good views from the tower
finished the loop on the road
on the way down, stopped at ladybug saddle to do the short hike to the ladybug peak
nice little high point complete with ladybugs
lunch at a dive bar at the base of the mountain - good burgers & fries
uneventful trip back
great trip, good times with bruce and john
nice to get mount graham finally, and get away from the valley for a weekend
a lot has changed from the frye fire, but the pinelanos are still a worthy destination
thanks for doing the driving guys
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
hazhole
 
Sep 29 2024
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ 
Moonshine - Heliograph - Ladybug, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 29 2024
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760
Hiking8.61 Miles 1,679 AEG
Hiking8.61 Miles   3 Hrs   46 Mns   2.58 mph
1,679 ft AEG      26 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Moonshine Creek
Heliograph Peak Loop
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Ladybug Peak 8780
Partners partners
johnlp
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Day 3 in the Pinalenos. We hit these 3 on the way out.

Moonshine Creek

Starting from Cunningham CG, we headed down the trail. It doesn't look like this trail has received much maintenance, so a GPS track helps guide you. The payoff is the viewpoint on the rock outcropping at the end. Taking the FR, you could drive just about any vehicle with decent clearance and tires to within 500 feet of the spot. It's definitely a worthwhile stop. We opted for a road walk back instead of getting scratched up on the trail.

Heliograph Peak Loop

We started at Shannon CG and headed clockwise up, up, up to the peak. We passed Eagle Peak, and I would have liked to hit the rugged namesake outcropping, but it wasn't in the cards this time. Fall was definitely showing off on this one, with golden aspens stealing the scene. At the top, I met up with the speedsters who were just coming down from the 99.9-foot Heliograph lookout tower. I climbed the tower to take in the views and, more importantly, dry off from the climb. We searched for the peak marker but to no avail. The peak register was damp, so we didn’t attempt to sign it. We completed the loop by heading down the tower road.

[ youtube video ]

Back at the trailhead, we chatted with the camp host, who is also the sole volunteer clearing trails in the entire park. He’s currently working on the Ash Creek Trail. Apparently, the Park Service has a hiring freeze for at least the next 18 months.

Ladybug Peak

We had to hit this one as our last stop on the way out. Short and sweet. It was getting hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s. I guess we missed @SkyIslander18 by just a few hours, as he completed this hike later in the day. And if you’re wondering… yes, there were ladybugs on the peak!

All in all, it was a great trip to the Pinalenos. We had the perfect campsite, centrally located to the range’s options. Temps dropped to 49°F in the morning and reached the high 60s to low 70s during the day. Good times.....
Kelly… got your phone?
John… headlamp off, please.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Eagle Rock
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Dripping Dripping
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
Sep 28 2024
avatar

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

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 28 2024
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking4.50 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A much needed escape from the endless heatwave, I threw some camping gear in the truck and hit the road for Mount Graham. Grabbed a sandwich at Mount Graham market, and then drove up to Angle Orchard, which I was happy to see was open when I arrived mid afternoon. Lots of apples, few people. I ended up picking 11 pounds, much more reasonable than my 33 pounds or whatever it was I bought last year.

I started hiking from the entrance to Shannon Campground at 4:30 pm, making my way east to the Arcadia Trail. This was my first time hiking Helio since the Frye Fire. The fire definitely cooked some of the edges of Heliograph, but the aspen regrowth is vigorous and wonderful to see. A fair amount of yellow, and even some red in the changing leaves. Nice golden hour views and cool and refreshing up at 10,000 feet. Hazy conditions and bad air quality to the west made for a long lasting and very beautiful sunset on the hike down the fire road. Very enjoyable hike for me, worth the drive from Tucson on its own.

I drove into my campsite at Hagens point after dark, parked, and soon noticed heavy rustling in an oak tree next to my campsite. Further investigation with my headlamp revealed a black bear eating acorns. It eventually moved on, and I enjoyed my sub from Mount Graham market and some stargazing, with a jacket on in the chilly breeze.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Sep 03 2024
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 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 03 2024
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
AddSanz
Our annual raspberry picking trip down Heliograph.
Service road up, Arcadia trail back down.
Clear blue skies all day sunning them berries for us to pick.
We filled up 2 pickle jars and ate at least another jar while hiking.
A couple deer, several hawks & some bear poo spotted along the way.
We shall be back to do it again next year.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Dec 31 2023
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 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 31 2023
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Last one for 2023.
Picked a favorite!
Graham is below average in snow fall so I didn't think I needed to bring snow shoes ... wrong ](*,)
But, I got lucky ... a snow machine had recently gone to the top laying down some wide tracks in the 6-12 inch snow. It was no problem hiking in the tracks up to the 10,000 ft peak.
The overlooks, fire tower, cabin & views over to High Peak looked beautiful in the snow!
Only my footprints (and critters) could be found up there.
The loop trail down Arcadia was a no go so I hiked back down the way I came on the service road.
Returned back to find lot's of family's snow sledding down the campground road at Shannon.
Great end to 2023,
Happy New Year
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Sep 11 2023
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 11 2023
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
1,100 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Treasure Park Campground
Partners none no partners
Whenever Pinaleno first timers ask me what trail to hike, I always send them up to do Heliograph Peak.
It's a great trail with outstanding views and history, it's always in my Mt Graham Fav 5.
Today I went up counter clock starting with the service road up to the top.
On top I took in the awesome views at 10,000+ feet, then meandered around the historic fire lookout tower and cabin built in 1933.
I then headed back on the Arcadia Trail where I stopped for a snack break at the Eagle Rock overlook.
1 more mile along the upper Arcadia Trail and I was back at Shannon Campground to complete the loop.
Along the way were several white tails, a decent amount of raspberries to pick and on top there was some golden aspen leaves.

Threatening stormy skies all day with a few claps of thunder, but I stayed dry.
Temps on top were in the 70's ... got down to the low 60's as I had dinner just before sunset at Treasure Park.

Great day on top, will rinse & repeat this one many more times!
:D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Some gold aspen leaves on top, color changes along the switchbacks on the drive up.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Dripping Dripping
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Aug 15 2023
avatar

 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 15 2023
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles   2 Hrs      2.13 mph
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A trip to the Pinalenos to pick apples at the Angle Orchard and I hiked this before they opened. Cool and moist here, which is normal, but it felt cold and clammy as I haven't really dealt with cool moist weather this summer. Cool and dry is much better. I was able to climb the tower all the way to the tower box as the gate was left open. Just as well, as this summit could be my high point for the year.

The raspberries near Shannon are tiny and not that great due to the lack of July rain.
_____________________
🍭
 
Jul 08 2023
avatar

 Routes 228
 Triplogs 215

36 male
 Joined Sep 05 2014
 Phoenix, AZ
Heliograph Peak, AZ 
Heliograph Peak, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 08 2023
Frostshocknoob • Triplogs 215
Hiking4.63 Miles 1,060 AEG
Hiking4.63 Miles   2 Hrs   56 Mns   1.85 mph
1,060 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak Loop
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
Oct 12 2022
avatar

 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 12 2022
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Enjoyable hike to the summit after picking only 25 lbs of apples at the orchard. I got mostly fuji and blushing golden, but also a few others types.

Color here is past peak, but the views remain, and it was cool. Not crisp, as it remains very wet over here, but cool. Lots of chickadees and associated birds where I parked.
_____________________
🍭
 
Sep 05 2022
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 Guides 4
 Routes 491
 Photos 10,890
 Triplogs 1,257

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2022
BiFrost • Triplogs 1,257
Hiking4.85 Miles 1,188 AEG
Hiking4.85 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   2.22 mph
1,188 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
chumley
John9L
Fun peak loop on our final day in the Graham's. We made a loop out of it utilizing the service road for the towers which turned out to be a great choice. We started on the trail side first on what looked like recently maintained tread. Some sizeable tree cuts and minor rock work were a pleasant surprise to the hike.

On the main ridge below the summit we ran into some mountain bikers who as Chumley mentioned did not seem to be having much fun. The trail wraps around the summit before it switchbacks to the tower. This area also had a lot of new aspens which was the theme of many fire damaged areas on the mountain.

Once on the summit we checked out the tower. The wind was howling especially even part way up the tower. We checked it out and then retreated to ground level for a nice lunch break. After lunch it was down the service road to finish out the loop.
_____________________
  2 archives
Sep 05 2022
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2022
chumley • Triplogs 1,993
Hiking4.85 Miles 1,188 AEG
Hiking4.85 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   2.22 mph
1,188 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
BiFrost
John9L
Fifteen years after my last hike on this loop :o :o :o

There have been a few changes over the years, but it's still a great little loop with enjoyable views and a solid workout. We ran into a group of mountain bikers who I believe took the route downhill to Acadia. They did not appear to be really enjoying themselves. Lol.

The aspens here are coming back, but not as quickly as those over on Webb. I was happy that the short grassy "chute" near the top is still intact. We took a good break at the summit where at the surface it was pleasant, but even two flights up the tower the wind was nearly unbearably strong. It's nice to see the firefighters protected this peak despite the forest service's best efforts to manage the whole range to complete destruction. [-(
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Aug 06 2022
avatar

 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 06 2022
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles   2 Hrs      2.13 mph
1,030 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
If you're looking for raspberries, you'll be interested in the upper Arcadia Trail right after it leaves the Shannon Campground. TONS of raspberries lining the trail, which is not overgrown at all. I spent almost 30 minutes stuffing myself with them, until I just didn't want anymore. Cane with fruit continues off and on to the summit. No bears, either.

With the excessive storm activity this summer, this hike is also ridiculously humid. However, it is cooler than hikes below 9,000'. Still, at 10,000' I was drenched. In summer, this might be the mountain's most pleasant easy to access hike.

Despite earlier reports, I was able to hike the trail with no difficulties related to down trees, as hikers have cut fresh paths around the down trees.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
🍭
 
Jul 07 2022
avatar

 Guides 104
 Routes 256
 Photos 16,118
 Triplogs 528

53 male
 Joined Dec 30 2005
 Tucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 07 2022
Mike_W • Triplogs 528
Hiking5.05 Miles 1,121 AEG
Hiking5.05 Miles   2 Hrs   10 Mns   2.33 mph
1,121 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After hiking Mt Graham and Plain View peak, I decided I had time to hike Heliograph peak bundled with Eagle rock as a loop. Tim was here also but had a few hour head start. I saw him coming down the road to Heliograph peak just as I was starting the hike.

I saw a red squirrel on the road on my way up and was able to get photos and a video from far away. I heard a lot of nice bird singing from up in the trees. At the top, I saw a few log cabins aside from the radio towers. I also found and signed a registry which was close to one of the towers and probably at the high point. I followed the road over the peak and then found a cairn marking the trail heading down to the Shannon campground. It was a big misleading because the topo map showed the Arcadia trail crossing this trail going down. When I got to that intersection, I didn't see another trail. The trail I was on eventually did lead down to the Shannon campground and the sign at the bottom called it the Arcadia trail. I was told that the original trail was burned and parts were destroyed because of the fire.

At the Shannon campground, I saw a few deer from about 100 feet away. Right near the trailhead I met one of the park rangers and camping hosts, Joe, who was very helpful in letting me know the details of this trail. I ended up staying at the Shannon campground, since it was getting a bit late.

Total AEG for the 2 peak loop was 1,121 feet, according to my GPS device.
_____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
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  2 archives
Jun 12 2022
avatar

 Routes 15
 Photos 128
 Triplogs 16

male
 Joined Mar 20 2022
 Safford, Arizona
The Raspberry Laden Heliograph Trail, AZ 
The Raspberry Laden Heliograph Trail, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 12 2022
RockinronnieF • Triplogs 16
Hiking2.06 Miles 355 AEG
Hiking2.06 Miles   1 Hour   29 Mns   1.96 mph
355 ft AEG      26 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Arcadia CG
Marijilda Cutoff
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Heliograph Peak Loop
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The best hike when family are in town! Or, perhaps your wife is a rare hiker. The soft footed covered Trail to Heliograph Peak is a great choice. You can hike the mile to Eagle Rock like we did, to the dramatic Eagle Rock. Rest, and hike back to Shannon's n Campground. The view to the north is expansive, inspiring. You do climb gradually 300 feet for good exercise. Come in late July and join the bears for sweet Mt Graham raspberries. :D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Raspberry, Locust, Aspen
 
Apr 05 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 05 2022
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
AddSanz
My 20th Helio loop hike and #4 with my buddy. Yup, I like them both!
Service road up, Arcadia trail down.
Windy clear blue sky views on top of scenic 10,080
Hit more than anticipated snow on the north side of the peak slowing us down a bit, knee level at some points.
Enjoyed Shannon CG along the creek for a bit before leaving.
Fun hike with a good friend, look forward to #21
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Sep 04 2021
avatar

 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 04 2021
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles   1 Hour   50 Mns   2.32 mph
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Drove back to the Angle Orchard for apples. Gala and El Star Apples are done, as are all of the peaches. People are already picking the Arkansas Black apples, and I got a few as well even if it is early. They are supposed to be ripe in October, but seemed okay. I found the 3 Winesap trees and while 2 were no where near ripe, one had a few ripe ones on it, unless it was a Johnathan. Either way, I believe I picked about 24 pounds of Winesap and Johnathan Apples.

Most of what the orchard is growing are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Arkansas Black, and then also scattered Fuji which will come in during early October. I'm hoping to get a fair number of Fuji, also

Anyway, after the apple picking and orchard touring, and an hour drive up to the top, I had plenty of time for Heliograph but not enough for High Peak, so I hike the loop. It was pleasantly cool and very humid or moist. I didn't hear many birds this time. No chick-a-dees and hermit thrushes. Is it fall? Maybe it was coincidence.

A small crew is doing some much needed work on the Arcadia Trail. They have removed the thicket to where the Noon Creek Ridge Trail used to join the Arcadia Trail. FYI: I was told the Noon Creek Ridge Trail is basically gone. I was told they intend to rebuild the washed out section of the Arcadia. Also, I was told they intend to tackle the overgrown Grant Creek Loop(s). I'm most excited about the Arcadia.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
_____________________
🍭
 
Aug 21 2021
avatar

 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 21 2021
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles   2 Hrs      2.13 mph
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I bought 64 lbs of peaches and apples at Angle Orchard and left there after 3 PM, so I wasn't going to hike High Peak again. I didn't have the time. Just as well, as that might be better for dry fall weather. It was sunny and cool, and overall pleasant, but the humidity is still disgusting.

Pretty decent short hike. Very cool and enjoyable compared to most others around Tucson, that is for sure. The Trail for this is in great shape, the road even better. This is clearly not being ignored by the FS.
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average hiking speed 2.19 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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