About the summer hikes:
- All hikes start at 9:00 a.m. at the indicated trailhead for each hike; hikers who do not wish to drive to the trailhead may meet no later than 7:50 a.m. at Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway, in the parking lot a few rows out from McDonald’s, for caravanning to the trailhead. We leave the parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m.
- Hikes are NOT “nature walks”; rough and often steep terrain can be expected.
- Higher elevation demands that participants be in good physical condition.
- Hikes are free and guided, with no reservations required. (Forest Service fees at parking lots will apply.)
- Bring plenty of water and lunch for longer hikes. We will stop for a short lunch break.
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, hiking poles, and rain gear are recommended.
- No pets allowed. No smoking.
- Appropriate for older children with hiking experience who are accompanied by a parent.
- No guaranteed return time. Allow 1 hour driving time to reach trailheads.
- Cell phones for emergency only.
- Bad weather may change or cancel the hike.
- For questions, call or text 520-488-8007.
| Date | Destination | Description |
|---|---|---|
| June 2 | Aspen Draw to Radio Ridge from Ski Valley; turn right at milepost 24.9 | 3.6-mile hike follows a shady trail up to the top of the ski lift. Lots of switchbacks and an elevation gain of 1100 feet make this a good exercise hike. Nice downhill return! |
| June 9 | Aspen Loop from Marshall Gulch Trailhead, milepost 25.5 | 4.4-mile hike along the popular Aspen Loop. Usually lots of flowers and shade along the way, even some flowing water, if we're lucky. Elevation gain of 900 feet. |
| June 16 | Palisades Trail from Bigelow Trailhead, milepost 19.8 | 3.5-mile hike. This will be a nice ramble along Organization Ridge Road to the Palisades Trail, then along the trail, with a detour to a beautiful spot along a creek. We'll explore the Whispering Pines Girl Scout Camp on the return trip. |
| June 23 | Wilderness of Rocks from Marshall Gulch Trailhead, milepost 25.5 | 6.6-mile hike into the Wilderness of Rocks area leading to Lemmon Creek. Elevation gain of 1000 feet on the return trip. |
| June 30 | Fire Lookout and Meadow from Ski Valley Trailhead; turn right at milepost 24.9 | 6-mile hike up the Aspen Draw Trail to the top of the ski lift, then on to the Mt. Lemmon fire lookout and a beautiful alpine meadow. Elevation gain of about 1200 feet makes this quite a workout, but it's well worth it. |
| July 7 | Upper Sabino Creek Overlook from Sunset Trailhead, milepost 22.9 | 4.0-mile hike along the Sunset Trail, crossing Sabino Creek at Marshall Gulch, then climbing a short distance up the Aspen Trail to a rocky outcrop overlooking the creek below for a nice lunch stop. Elevation gain of 500 feet. |
| July 14 | Turkey Run, Aspen Draw from Summerhaven, milepost 25.0 | 5.2-mile hike starting on the paved Turkey Run Road past cabins, then up the Aspen Draw Trail to the top of the ski lift. Elevation gain of 1100 feet makes this great exercise, along with the beauty of nature. |
| July 21 | Mint Spring Trail from Carter Canyon Road; turn right at milepost 25.2 | 3.4-mile hike to Marshall Saddle. This trail was heavily burned in the 2003 Aspen Fire but has come back with lots of flowers and great views. Elevation gain of 850 feet, then downhill on the return. |
| July 28 | Marshall Saddle from Sunset Trailhead, milepost 22.9 | 5.6-mile hike up to Marshall Saddle, crossing Sabino Creek along the way before heading up the Marshall Gulch Trail. There should be water flowing and flowers along the way. Elevation gain of 900 feet. |
| August 4 | Aspen Loop (in reverse) from Marshall Gulch Trailhead, milepost 25.5 | 4.4-mile hike along the beautiful Aspen Loop, starting on the Aspen Trail. Lots of shade and flowers along the way. Elevation gain of 900 feet. |
| August 11 | Old Ski Run from Sunset Trailhead, milepost 22.9 | 3.0-mile hike through beautiful old growth trees, then up a steep climb to the top of the original Mt. Lemmon ski run (optional). Elevation gain about 800 feet. |
| August 18 | Incinerator Ridge Trail from Bigelow Trailhead, milepost 19.8 | 3.9-mile hike to Leopold Point, a rocky outcrop overlooking the San Pedro Valley. Steep in a few spots; includes a mild rock scramble near the vista point. Views are worth it! Elevation gain is about 800 feet. |
| August 25 | Rocky Overlook from Box Camp Trailhead, milepost 21.9 | 5.1-mile hike on the Box Camp Trail to a rocky overlook point below the Box Spring trail junction. Lunch will be along the creek on the return trip, which is all uphill. Elevation gain of 1200 feet makes this a good exercise hike. |