Motivated: Pima Canyon Trail to Pima Springs, Tucson, EARLY START
Details
Motivated: Pima Canyon Trail #62, Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson
EARLY START: Meet up at 6:45 am to depart by 7:00 am
Note: 1. Please contact the hike leader if you have not done this trail or have difficulty with acrophobia. There are several places where the trail is located at the canyon edge.
2. The prehike took 6:20:37 hours....plan on all-day
Trailhead: Iris O. Dewhirst trailhead, 2900', 1598 E Magee Rd, Tucson
Trail distance: 10.5 miles - In and Out
AEG: 3000'
Leader: Marilyn Harkins 253 389-2101
Pima Canyon to Pima Springs is a strenuous hike into the Santa Catalina Mountains and ascends along the south face of the scenic Pusch Ridge. We will follow the stream in the Canyon which is mostly dry but supports a luscious riparian habitat. This hike is in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area and from January 1 to April 30 hikers must stay on the trail for the protection of the desert bighorn sheep population during their birthing season. The sheep are nearby, but hard to spot among the rocks of the canyon. Jackrabbits, javelina and many birds are often sighted along the trail. At 3.2 miles there are remnants of a manmade dam; beyond this point the trail becomes steeper and has sections which are at the edge of the steep canyon. Our destination is Pima Springs which should have water and is just below the saddle leading to Mt. Kimball. The views just get better as you climb up the canyon!
Driving: Take I-10 to EXIT 246 or EXIT 248 in Tucson, depending on morning traffic. (Exit 246 Cortaro Farms Rd becomes Magee and goes directly to the trailhead.) 95 miles one-way - $17.