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| Backpack | 22.00 Miles |
5,000 AEG |
| | Backpack | 22.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 5,000 ft AEG | | 26 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Pretty much as described. When you reach Mudd Spring there is a large down tree blocking the trail. Over or under neither is exactly "convenient", but if you proceed you'll likely have the rest of the trail to yourself. The trail stays more or less level and relatively easy to follow for the next "while", but as you begin downslope into the East Fork drainage it becomes progressively brushier (grassy actually) and harder to discern. That said, it's still very "do-able", but pay close attention (not easily accomplished with such great views in every direction...!). As advertised, there are cairns, but not always where most needed. Still, we only lost the trail briefly on two occasions. If you do lose it entirely it could prove labyrinthine picking your way through the various minor cliff bands. Gaiters are recommended as the grass (Love Grass, methinks) has a little needle-like seed (?) that has an affinity for socks.
We originally intended to make a loop out of this incorporating the East Fork Trail and Box Canyon, but were disappointed by not finding any water when we hit the EF (it was supposedly "the wettest September on record"...). We turned the opposite direction on the EF trail and intersected the Bear Canyon/Sycamore Canyon/East Fork saddle whereupon we descended into the Sycamore drainage and hit a magnificent (by Catalina standards) flowing stream. We rejoiced at not being forced into a dry camp (we were OUT of H2O at this juncture). We tanked up and continued on toward the Prison Camp area to spend the night. We slept soundly on solid rock at "The Marryin' Place" above the popular Prion Camp climbing area, Jailhouse Rock.
The next morning we started to repay the debt we incurred by hiking downhill all day on Saturday. Not sure exactly what the cumulative elevation gain was, but I'd be surprised if it weren't in excess of 5,000 feet. The Bug Spring trail was HOT until we descended into the lovely little riparian area that connects it to the Bear Canyon Picnic Area. From there we continued on the Green Mountain Trail to the San Pedro Overlook then by road (2.5 miles more or less) back to the Pallisades Trailhead. It was quite the tour taking in a LOT of what Lemmon has to offer.
Note: Mileages and elevations are VERY rough estimates. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Jerry (in torrid Tucson, AZ)
"Until one has loved a dog, part of their soul remains unawakened" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
