Today we were expecting our coldest weather of the trip: a high around 55F with clear skies later in the morning and on. Instead of doing one lengthy hike which would keep us out in the potentially “almost cold” we decided two shorter hikes with a nice restaurant-style lunch between them would be the way to spend the day. It was a great decision on our part.
Hike 1: Canyon Loop Trail, Catalina State Park
The skies wre mixed-up clouds and some sunshine. At 09:20 when we hoisted our packs in the parking lot of Catalina State Park the clouds dominated but they were far from impressive. The air temperature was around 44F and some of us bundled up as much as it was possible to bundle up. We crossed to the start of the trail and right away found something different from our last (and I think first) hike from a year ago: flowing water. A nice set of stepping stone spanned the water and we all made it across without any real incidents of water invasion. At this point the trail turns south and then northeast quickly ascending a hard packed, easily trod, path. When you gain the top you can look down and see the wash full of water. Lovely.
As we walked the clouds moved across the sky and the sun made appearances warming us as it became visible. This is a lovely trail and with the dramatic sky and lush foliage it is well worth the visit. We are clearly in an area with plenty of water resulting in a rich floral (not at this time of year) environment. In time the trail turns towards the rushing water below, an actual stream, and you can take either the step-free horse trail or follow at least 70 steps down towards the water. We took the steps.
I think the water was prettier this year than last year. But I am sure that is because the sun was glinting off it from time to time. I suppose we had as much trouble with the stream crossings, all 3 to come, this time as last year but it may have been a tad tougher as I think the water was higher. It isn’t really hard as such; just watch your step as you go from stepping stone to stepping stone. Perhaps dogs are smarter than we are; they just walk right across and get their feet wet without a backward glance. We saw at least a dozen dogs on the hike. I wonder if the really tiny ones get carried across. One small black one with nasty sounding breathing issues surely would be nearly submerged had it crossed on foot.
By the time we returned to the car the temperature had risen several degrees and the sun was definitely taking over much more of the sky. It felt comfortable. It was a lovely way to end the hike. We saw a lot, heard plenty, and enjoyed the easy loop hike.
Photos
Last year when we hiked the Canyon Loop Trail this wash was free of water. This is right at the start of the trail (actually I suppose it may technically be before the trail actually starts). Mom is making her way across on this mid-40s F mostly cloudy morning.
--January 10, 2020 at 09:22:51. Tucson, AZ, United States
It is my turn to make the flowing water crossing. While Mom and Dad are bundled up in most all of their layers I am wearing just my shirt and windshirt and am pretty comfortable. I did suffer a very slight water invasion at the end of my crossing but it is hardly worth mentioning.
--January 10, 2020 at 09:23:43. Tucson, AZ, United States
The clouds are slowly giving way to the sun. Mom and Dad are heading down the trail towards its eastern-most point where we will descend down to a stream via at least 70 steps.
--January 10, 2020 at 09:50:04. Tucson, AZ, United States
Just a bit further down the trail. How many shades of purple can you see in this photo?
--January 10, 2020 at 09:52:41. Tucson, AZ, United States
Mom and Dad at what I suspect must be a seasonal stream.
--January 10, 2020 at 10:03:35. Tucson, AZ, United States
Ken at the same seasonal stream. As you can see the clouds have moved away, that is east, from here. Photo by Judith.
--January 10, 2020 at 10:06:01. Tucson, AZ, United States
I believe this is our final stream crossing.
--January 10, 2020 at 10:19:09. Tucson, AZ, United States
Saguaro cactus can be truly majestic and when the sky co-operates the visual appeal skyrockets.
--January 10, 2020 at 10:24:49. Tucson, AZ, United States
Stats
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes with 19 minutes in breaks
Total Distance: 2.3 miles (loop) with 165 feet ascent and 165 feet descent. Much of the ascent , if going counterclockwise, happens near the start; the descent on the rough steps down to the seasonal stream. Footing is superb.
Weather: The air temperature was in the mid 40s to start and rose to over 50 by the end of the hike. When the sun was shining upon us it felt warmer.
Hike 2: Cam-Boh Trail -> Ironwood Forest Trail -> Picture Rocks Wash -> Ringtail Trail Loop in Sagauro National Park (west)
After a lovely lunch at First Watch we headed out to Saguaro National Park Western Mountain District to explore a new set of trails in Betty Leavengood’s Hiking Tucson guidebook (we have the the fourth edition). It was 12:50 and the clouds had vanished from the sky (almost anyway). But with the steady breeze we didn’t quite feel comfortable removing some layers. The trail system is on the other side of the road: a busy road with a curve by the parking lot. Crossing is not the most enjoyable thing (and coming back is worse).
The first half-mile or so is on deep sandy ground. You will get sand in your shoes unless you are wearing gaiters. Deal with it. We did. We hiked through high desert scrub. Unlike many of our hikes this one seemed to have a larger number of birds, many of the same species, singing across the land. I wish I could say what the birds were.
We left the sandy ground for firmer surfaces of dark ground and rocks. Sometimes this type of terain reminded me of what we found on volcanic lands in the Canary Islands. I’m sure there really is no similarity it just felt that way at times as I skirted through pointed rocks. In due time that terrain would change again and we found ourselves leaving the Ironwood Forest Trail, which does have Ironwood trees growing along it, to enter another sandy wash.
Picture Rocks wash supposedly has some colorful rocks and while a hint of pink appears now and then I can’t say I really noticed it. Sadly we all failed to spy the petroglyphs but based on what we read later in the guidebook they may be hard to spot even if you know where to look. A half mile later we found the cairn that marked the Ringtail Trail. The park has done a good job with trail signs but they don’t have any marking the Ringtail Trail or the Ironwood Forest Trail. It would not be hard to miss your turn.
Climbing out of the wash we returned to the top (such as it is) and wound our way through the last 0.5 or so miles of trail hearing the road grow ever louder. In time we dropped down into another sandy stretch to complete the last couple tenths of a mile of the loop back where we began. It may not be the most exciting hike we have done but it appears that the park has created numerous trails in this area so we have plenty to explore.
Photos
I think Picture Rocks mountain is the prominent one you can see in the center. Perhaps when the light is right it is more picture-esque.
--January 10, 2020 at 13:29:23. Tucson, AZ, United States
We spent a good half a mile in this wash. Off to the east are the remaining puffy clouds.
--January 10, 2020 at 14:19:44. Tucson, AZ, United States
Stats
Total TIme: 2 hours and 10 minutes with about 10 minutes in breaks though I thought it was more than that.
Total Distance: 3.5 mile loop hike with200 feet of ascent and 200 feet descent. The beginning 0.5 or so miles is on sandy ground as are the last 0.3 or so miles. The 0.5 or so miles of Picture Rocks Wash are, of course, sandy too. Everything else is hard dirt with some rocks strewn here and there.
Weather: Sunny with cumulus clouds hanging out way far to the east. The air temperature was probably in the mid-50s but it felt a bit warmer than that when the wind was not blowing.
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