Saturday, February 27, 2021

48.13 Tucson, Arizona: An introduction to 9 or so hikes making the region treasure-filled.

A scene overlooking the city from Bug Springs Trail.

Picacho: A fascinating, tough and at times, difficult climb...both ways.

Soldiers' Trail, as the 'curtain' rises.


We don't think we've been in and near a city that offers so many opportunities for hiking and climbing. The trails are well cared for, clearly indicating those in charge encourage this activity. While there are some rough paths, most are superbly designed and frankly, rate as luxury. Summer in the city must be tough, but then we are unlikely to visit during that season. What's missing is water. The trails vary but the scenery, mostly attractive, tends to be similar. We highly recommend this region. We'll return again, MacArthur. 

We've met many people on the hikes, mostly interesting, offering different perspectives and usually, refreshing. It adds much to our activities, education and activities. We've had to try and cut down on the number of encounters recently, not because we wanted to, but rather, to finish the hikes before dark. Tucson is a destination for those who spend their summers in the northern/eastern parts of the country. We would guess the population during summer is considerably less than that of other seasons. Once again, we extended our visit and could easily have stayed longer but... 

Babad Do'ag Trail (loved the name). Proved to be more scary than it appeared at first, but breath-taking.

Wasson Peak, a solid climb with a good view of the popular 'smokers' corner'.

Approaching Blacketts Ridge, Sabino Park.

...and heading down.

One of many sections where cables are necessary. The technical aspects are probably more difficult than at Angels' Landing.

Reaching the top of a mostly, vertical climb; the view is satisfying, the climb a gem.

Overwhelming mountains, and most of the time, filled with serenity.

Trying a new technique...apparently it succeeded despite the lecture received afterwards.

Somewhere on the Esperero Trail.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

No comments:

Post a Comment