He came to SaddleBrooke five years ago as a fit 73-year-old. He joined the hiking club and found like-minded individuals who loved hiking in the desert and being in nature. It was not long before the Chief Hiking Guide asked Bruce if he would be a guide for the club. He said yes, he would for five years. During those five years Bruce also served as our Vice President and our President!
Fast forward to December 31, 2024, and Bruce Landeck’s final hike as a guide for the SaddleBrooke hiking club. He was joined by ten of his friends/fellow hikers who wanted to be a part of his final hike that he would lead as a guide.
The day was cool - a perfect hiking day that many dream about and that we get to experience in the winter in the Sonoran Desert. The hike was one of Bruce’s favorites in Sabino Canyon National Recreation Area. It was the Esperero Canyon/Rattlesnake/Bluff Trails Loop. It is an easy
4.6-mile hike with its 356-foot elevation gain on the Esperero Canyon portion.
Following the climbing portion, we were rewarded with stunning views up the canyon. Further along the trail we encountered five deer who, through their leisurely movements, reminded us that we are the visitors in this park.
The Esperero trail meets the Rattlesnake trail off to the right and winds down the incline gradually. There is a short portion on the paved road leading to the Bluff Trail.
On the Bluff Trail one looks down on the Cottonwoods along the riverbank. They are beautiful in the fall. We then came upon the dam which was bone dry. All of us have hiked in this area many times and seldom is it dry.
We returned to the Visitor Center in good spirits, having shared stories, and friendly jabs. We had one final thank you for Bruce, which was his favorite cake – a German Chocolate Cake with Pecan Coconut Frosting. Thank you, Bruce, for your leadership and friendship. It means the world to us.
