Events - Month View

Esperero Canyon/Rattlesnake/Phoneline Loop Trail. Rating: C. Pace: Moderate [539, 06:00 AM, $6]. From the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, the hike proceeds along the Esperero Canyon/Rattlesnake Canyon trails to the Tram stop 1 picnic area on Sabino Creek - a favorite with views of Sabino Creek with velvet ash, cottonwood, willow, and Arizona sycamore trees. After a short break we will cross Sabino Creek (if water level permits) and climb a spur trail up to the Phoneline Trail where we turn to head back down towards the Visitor Center. We will finish on the Bajada Nature loop with a beautiful crested saguaro. Bring a camera and plenty of water and a snack. Hike 5.1 miles; trailhead elevation 2450 feet; net elevation change 500 feet; accumulated gain 780 feet; RTD 56 miles.

During our walk we will enjoy the history and architecture of the original buildings with special attention to the arboretum, library, Hall of Champions and Space programs.

This hike is mostly in wooded areas. The lunch spot provides nice views of the Wilderness of Rocks and Mt. Lemmon.

Pima Canyon to 1st Dam. Rating: D***. Pace: Moderate

Past the pools

This is a steep rocky trail and ascent with a steady climb of 4150‘ in 5 miles. We finally reach Mt. Kimball. The destination offers fantastic views. The return is via the scenic Pima Canyon with a stop at Pima Saddle as we descend. This is an all day hike. Car shuttle required. Hike 12.6 miles; trailhead elevation 2900 & 3042 feet; accumulated gain 4600 feet; RTD 44 miles.

The hike proceeds into the foothills of Pusch Ridge and is an excellent introduction to desert hiking. The trail gradually ascends to provide excellent views of Oro Valley. Hiking sticks may be helpful for rocky steps-up and steps-down. The trail passes through a riparian area and ascends to a rocky outcropping which is a good place for a snack break. There are magnificent saguaros throughout the drainage from Pusch Ridge. Hike 2.9 miles; trailhead elevation 2720 feet; net elevation change 400 feet; accumulated gain 535 feet; RTD 28 miles.

18+ miles may attempt summit

Madera Canyon Nature Trail. Rating: C. Pace: Moderate [253, 06:00 AM, $13]. This non-desert hike is in the Santa Rita Mountains. It starts from the Procter parking area and ascends 3.5 miles up the canyon to the Roundup Picnic Area (el. 5400 feet). Along the way, hikers enjoy the shade of Apache pines, Douglas firs, Emory oaks, Mexican blue oaks, willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores. The return is by the same route. There are panoramic views from a ridge on a trail breakout. Hike 6.8 miles; trailhead elevation 4500 feet; net elevation change 956 feet; accumulated gain 1004 feet; RTD 130 miles. There is a fee for parking unless you have a National Park Pass that must be displayed.

Guthrie Mountain from General Hitchcock Campground

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, 9 Holes. (front or back 9) Rating D. This Tom Weiskopf designed golf course opened in 1995 and was closed in 2018. It has reverted back to nature and opened as Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve in 2022. Optional: coffee stop at The Views restaurant at Sun City after the hike.

The hike begins at the Bog Springs Campground in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains, Great views of Madera Canyon, Green Valley, Kitt Peak, and Baboquivari Peak from this trail, which involves strenuous, steep climbs in spots. Maybe we‘ll see an Elegant Trogon!

Mt. Lemmon - Meadow Trail to Fire Lookout. Rating: C. Pace: Moderate [261, 06:00 AM, $13]. We begin by driving to the top of Mt. Lemmon and parking by Radio Ridge. We first hike down the Aspen Trail, past the Ski Lift, to an overlook with outstanding views of Summerhaven and the canyon below. We then backtrack to the Meadow Trail which will take us through Lemmon Park. We will continue along this trail to where it intersects the Mt. Lemmon Trail #5 which leads to Lemmon Rock fire lookout cabin. There are spectacular views along the way. We then hike back to the top of Mt. Lemmon and the parking area. Hike 3.75 miles; trailhead elevation 9157 feet; net elevation change 500 feet; accumulated gain 575 feet; RTD 131 miles.

route is fairly level with little elevation change with wide open views and interesting rock formations

Bear Wallow/Sunset Trail. Rating: C***. Pace: Moderate [526, 06:00 AM, $13]. The hike starts on the Bear Wallow Road near Summerhaven and goes along a trail under the shade of many, many tall deciduous trees with wonderful color in the Autumn and nice shade the rest of the season. Once we reach Soldier Camp on the Gen Hitchcock Hwy we will continue along the Sunset Trail with its beautiful canyon and vista views to the Marshall Gulch trailhead. Here is our turn around spot for this out and back hike. ***This trail is relatively easy, but does have a few spots with steep step up/down and a bit with narrow trail and height exposure. Hike 4.9 miles; trailhead elevation 8030 feet; net elevation change 500 feet; accumulated gain 682 feet. RTD 130 miles.

Great views, generally easy trail with some areas of railroad tie steps

Aspen Draw / Mint Spring Trail. Rating: C. Pace: Moderate [88, 06:00 AM, $13]. The hike begins on Turkey Run Road in Summerhaven across from the Visitor Center. After about a mile, we take the Aspen Draw Trail to Radio Ridge. From there we descend the Aspen Trail to Marshall Saddle, where we pick up the Mint Spring Trail to Carter Canyon Road, for a short 0.75 miles back to the trailhead. Hikers may choose to have lunch in Summerhaven before returning. Hike 6.9 miles; trailhead elevation 8000 feet; net elevation change 1400 feet; accumulated gain 1573 feet; RTD 130 miles.