- Join Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists as we explore different trails on Mt. Lemmon. Exercise both bodies and brains in one (or more) of the eight biomes as we discover the flora and fauna and learn the history that makes the Santa Catalina Mountains so special.
- All hikes meet the hike leaders 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 carpooling or caravanning to the trailhead. This is a peer-organized carpool, not a naturalist-organized carpool. Please leave the parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m. to arrive at the trailhead on time. Contact Cathy at cathyyungbluth@gmail.com with any questions.
- We plan to be finished by 1 p.m., but actual return times will vary. Allow 1 hour driving time to reach some trailheads.
- Hikes are free and guided, with no reservations required. Forest Service parking fees apply at trailheads ($8 day pass or an appropriate Interagency Pass).
- These are nature discovery hikes, not “destination” hikes. The pace will be fairly slow, but good fitness is required for hiking at higher elevations. Please read the hike descriptions and know your limits.
- Bring plenty of water, a snack, and lunch for longer hikes.
- Wear hiking boots or supportive shoes, and dress in layers for the unpredictable mountain weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Hiking poles may be helpful.
- No dogs, no smoking. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Cell phones for emergency only.
- Subject to last minute cancellation due to inclement weather or road closure. For the status of a hike, call Catalina Highway closure information at 520-547-7510 or email Cathy at the address below.
- Contact cathyyungbluth@gmail.com with questions.
| Date | Destination | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 4 | Meet at Gordon Hirabayashi (Prison Camp), milepost 7. Bathroom at trailhead. | Easy hike of 2.5 miles out and back, with about 200 feet of elevation change. We will hike through the campground to a rocky overlook on the Soldier Trail, then to a watery overlook on an unnamed trail (maybe a small waterfall). We will then explore the wash on the way back to the cars. Historic prison camp area. |
| Jan 18 | Molino Basin to Bellota Trail. Meet at Molino Basin, milepost 5.6. Bathroom at trailhead. | Moderate hike, 2.5 miles up and back, with about an 800-foot elevation change. We will hike up the Bellota Trail, then maybe hit a short side trail on the way back. We can also explore the campground area for other interesting finds if we want. |
| Feb 1 | Meet at Gordon Hirabayashi (Prison Camp), milepost 7. Bathroom at trailhead. | Easy hike of 2.5 miles out and back, with about 200 feet of elevation change. We will hike through the campground to a rocky overlook on the Soldier Trail, then to a watery overlook on an unnamed trail (maybe a small waterfall). We will then explore the wash on the way back to the cars. Historic prison camp area. |
| Feb 15 (Cancelled due to weather) | Molino Basin. Meet at Molino Basin, milepost 5.6. Bathroom at trailhead. | Easy hike, 2.0 miles up and back, with about a 100-foot elevation change. We will hike the unnamed trail across the highway and follow Molino Creek. Expect creek crossings. We can also explore the campground area for other interesting finds if we want. |
| Mar 1 (Note NEW change as of 2/23) | Molino Basin. Meet at Molino Basin, milepost 5.6. Bathroom at trailhead. | Easy hike, 2.0 miles up and back, with about a 100-foot elevation change. We will hike the unnamed trail across the highway and follow Molino Creek. Expect creek crossings. We can also explore the campground area for other interesting finds if we want. |
| Mar 15 (Note change as of 2/23) | Lower Bug Springs to rocky overlook. Meet at Lower Bug Springs trailhead parking, milepost 7.7 (on the right after Gordon Hirabayashi). No bathroom at trailhead, but there is one at the nearby Gordon Hirabayashi trailhead. | 5-mile hike with about a 1000-foot elevation change. We will hike from the trailhead to a rocky overlook and back on a well-traveled trail. Moderate. |
| Mar 29 (Note change) | Green Mountain Trail toward Bear Saddle. Meet at Chiricahua Pine Picnic Area, milepost 10.5. Bathroom available. | 2-mile lollipop route with about 350-foot elevation change. Moderate. We will hike the Green Mountain Trail toward the Bear Saddle to a nice turn-around spot. On the way back, we will detour through the Hitchcock campground, go under the highway, and end at the Chiricahua Picnic Area. |
| Apr 5 (Note change) | Box Camp trail. Meet at Box Camp trailhead, milepost 21.5. No bathroom at the trailhead. | Easy/moderate hike of 2.7 miles out and back, with about 500 feet of elevation change. We will hike the Box Camp Trail to a nice turn-around spot. |
| Apr 19 | Sunset Trail to Marshall Gulch. Meet at the Sunset trailhead, milepost 22.6. No bathroom available. | Moderate 2.5-mile hike with about 400 feet of elevation change. We will end our Mt. Lemmon Nature Hike season with a hike on the Sunset Trail to Marshall Gulch with a quick side trip to the old Soldier Lake. Weather permitting, we can have a picnic lunch at Marshall Gulch before hiking back to the cars. If some want to hike one way, a participant-initiated car shuttle can be arranged in advance. |