 The
mountains that surround Tucson are begging to be explored and are abundant with
hiking/cycling/backbacking trails that can accommodate everything from a short
stroll to a multi-day trip. The elevation changes about 7,000 feet from the
Tucson valley floor to the end of the Mt. Lemmon
 highway.
Hiking is a year-round endeavor regardless of your ambition or skill level. Most
options are within a one hour's drive of the city and are endless and varied.
While this page is a mere sampling of trails, for more comprehensive information
on hiking in the area, contact the Southern Arizona Hiking Club at
520-751-4531.
Pima Canyon Trail Location:
North on First Avenue
which turns into Christie, continue north to the end of Christie, the
crossroad is Magee. Make a right on Magee, the trailhead is at the road's
end.
~~~~Starting at the westernmost arm of the Catalinas, this popular trail
offers easy access and scenic beauty to young and old alike. From the
parking lot to Pusch Ridge is a pleasant 3.2 mile jaunt that rises 900
feet in elevation and ands at a small dam. For the more
serious hiker, a seven-mile climb to Mt. Kimball at 7,200 feet affords a
view of the entire Tucson area and beyond.
Romero
Canyon Trail is located in Catalina State Park at the edge of the city.
~~~~Romero is the largest of the Santa
Catalina range canyons. If you can get yourself to push beyond the
often flowing and lovely Southerland Wash, you will find that the initial
short pitch is steep enough to raise the heart rates of all but the
fittest trekkers. Keep going and you'll find yourself at
the beautiful Romero Pools.
The
Aspen Trail Location: Follow the Catalina Highway to the dead end a mile
beyond Summerhaven.
~~~~There are probably as many hikes off the
Catalina Highway as there are curbes on the road. However, perhaps
none are as cool and shady as the Aspen Trail. At around 8,000 feet,
this hike can be the day-saver for the late-sleeping, warm season, Tucson
area hiker. When combined with the Marshall Gulch Trail, one can
loop for just under four refreshing, sometimes demanding miles.
Cycling
in Tucson is some of the best in the country.
There are great road and off-road rides all over town.
Whether
you are an avid mountain biker, or just a beginner, you'll find many
options for excellent mountain biking in Tucson.
Tucson's
terrain is strictly desert with trails that are mostly dry and
rocky. Rarely will you find a smooth, single track roller coaster
trail, nor will you find the ground to be so forgiving when you take a
spill.
Another
thing to keep in mind while riding in the desert is that flat tires are
common. Nasty cactus thorns are abundant. Many species of
cactus line many trails and have been known to leave their mark on many
unsuspecting cyclists.
Whenever
and wherever you ride in the desert, be aware that danger may lurk around
a sharp curve.
RIDE
CAREFULLY, AND DON'T FALL ON A CACTUS, EVER!
If
you'll be in town a while and fear that you may exhaust all possibilities
for cycling, you can always call or visit a bike shop and ask for more
suggestions. |
Peter DeLuca,
GRI, CRS
Broker Associate
Realty Executives Southern Arizona |
|
|
