Vertical Cliffs Trail to Abington Trail Loop, Tucson Mountain Park

Time: 9:00am - 11:30pm.
Length: 3.8 mile loop
Elevation gain: approx. 250+/- feet
Meet At: TINY parking area at the intersection of W. Belmont Road and the gas line maintenance road. Avoid blocking the maintenance gate. Carpooling recommended IF possible.
GPS 32.3230, -111.0961
Pace: This is generally considered an easy route. Average pace for our group is 1.5-2.50 mph. We walk at the pace of the slowest hiker. There will be stops/pauses for photos, interesting plants, exceptional views and rest/water.
Prepare: Wear walking/hiking shoes for dirt trail, often rocky. Bring 1-2L water, sunscreen, hat, hiking/trekking poles and whatever you need to be prepared, safe and comfortable. Lunch or trail snacks are recommended.

Sorry. NO DOGS allowed on this trail.

The Vertical Cliffs Trail climbs about 150 feet in the first 1.2 miles and passes by some cliffs to the north of the trail that gives this trail its name. After 1.5 miles the trail heads south paralleling a wash for 0.3 miles before turning on to the Abington Trail. Abington Trail will lead us to Veterans Trail at which point we have 2 options. Group will decide which option to take depending on our time/energy/etc.

OPTION 1: Take the Animal Wash Trail for the next mile dropping 100 feet to the junction with gas line maintenance road back parking area. Animal Wash Trail is narrow and winding with cliffs on one side or the other as it cuts through hills on either side of the wash. Makes for interesting but more difficult, slightly downhill 'sand' walking.

OPTION 2: Continue on Veterans Trail for about .2 miles back to the Vertical Cliffs Trail which is the way we hiked in; then about 1 mile back down hill back to the parking area. This is the 'easier' option but less scenic.

NOTE: There are NO restrooms nearby.