Tucson Mts: Cat's Crack, Krein Summit - Yetman Trail: West Return

• Mileage: 5 miles total
• Total elevation gain 1200'
• Duration: 4-5 hours
*Rating: C - Intermediate
(See "What we're about" at https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Tucson/)
**RESTRICTIONS: No guests, dogs, firearms or tobacco
• Cell phones SILENT during hike

This is the best 360 view in the Tucson Mountains!
Please read this for more info: www.epicroadtrips.us/tracks/arizona/tucson_mountains/krein_west/

This hike has lots of loose rocks. Bring poles if you think you will need them.

Compared to the popular Catalina and Santa Rita Mountains the trails in the Tucson Mountains see very little foot traffic - even on the weekends.

The Tucsons are a popular destination for Mt Bikers and it is not unusual to see more people on bikes than on foot and one must stay alert on the weekends.

So, if you have not been hiking in this area of the Tucson Mountains you are in for a treat - moderately challenging trails, great views and trails that are lightly traveled. And of course some super groovy natives like Cholla, Barrel and Saguaro cactus with a few Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers thrown in for good measure.

This hike starts with the Sarasota trail which cuts between the Cat's Crack. In other words: between Big Cat and Little Cat Mts.

Once we reach the saddle we will head west on the Explorer trail which connects to the John Krein Trail (JKT), an unofficial trail which will take us up to 1st Ridge (aka Bobcat ridge).

Once we hit the JKT we will immediately start a steep rocky ascent until we reach the top of 1st Ridge. Here and elsewhere along the ridge line we will have commanding 360 degree views of all the mountain ranges in the area.

The JKT wanders along the ridge line and north side of 1st Ridge as it makes its way to the summit.

About mid way we will take a short side spur to Krein summit, our high point for the hike. Here we will stop for a rest break, snacks and to sign the register which is stashed in a buried ammo box.

When we drop back off of Krein summit we walk west along the ridge line and then switch back down the north side of 1st ridge. At the bottom of the trail we will intersect with the Yetman Trail.
From here we will head West on the Yetman trail until we intersect with the Sarasota trail which skirts the south base of 1st Ridge and then takes us back to the trail head parking area.

This hike has lots of loose rocks. Bring poles if you think you will need them.

RSVP etiquette:
• Sign up only if you really intend to come
• If you need to cancel, do so BEFORE the deadline so someone can get your spot
• If you change your mind take yourself off the Going or Wait list
• Please don't be a no-show

Be sure to bring adequate water, food, trekking poles, etc.
As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

Questions?
Email me: www.tinyurl.com/y3pz2gs9
Cell: 304.290.8066
WV-Mike

Have you read the important information here? https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Tucson/messages/boards/thread/52507980