The Tucson Hiking Meetup Group

4.8•13851 ratings

Tucson, AZ, US

15,467 members · Public group

What we’re about

Our group features hikes of variable length & ability. Beginner hikes range from 2 to 4 miles, while advanced hikes may be up to 16 miles and may feature bushwacking & rock scrambling. Beginner and moderate hikes usually are a mixed group between athletic pace and slow or moderate pace. Having fun talking, taking pictures, and admiring the beautiful Sonoran desert is all part of the package deal.
Many factors determine the difficulty of a hike: mileage, terrain, elevation, and pace. The hike rating scale that we have adopted is:
A - Extreme: no limit for distance or elevation
B - Advanced: maximum 16 miles or 3000' gain
C - Intermediate: maximum 8 miles or 1500' gain
D - Beginner: maximum 4 miles or 500' gain
This group is open to new members. We hope you'll join us!

Frequently asked questions about hiking with this group answered:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jADC4K2_gRzviAznMmQWzNAbpIhPCKIpcpEetyN_AVY/edit?usp=sharing

Organizer Chel has a hiking YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPXU-ZP9hbi0dnVkjVadrVg.

Want to help support the cost of the membership of this group and/or the YouTube channel? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TucsonAreaHiking

Assistant Organizer Larry has a hiking blog: https://daringdayhikes.home.blog/

Assistant Organizer, Bruce L. has a Reddit group you can join! https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson_backpacking/s/P438eFoxjJ

Upcoming events

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5 seats left
Mon, Nov 3 · 10:00 AM MST
Josephine Saddle Loop
Boot Barn, 3776 16th Ave, Tucson, AZ, US
Since it is expected to remain warm in the valley next week, we'll head to beautiful Madera Canyon, and start our hike at 4,900 feet (no snow expected).

We'll meet at Boot Barn at 3776 S 16th Street (16th and Ajo) at 10 AM and carpool for the 40 minute drive to the start of the trail.

We'll be hiking on the side of Mt. Wrightson, going up 1,637 on the relatively steep Old Baldy Trail to Josephine Saddle, and returning by the less steep but longer Super Trail. The total hike is 6.1 miles. At an estimated 1.75 mph, total hiking time will be 3 1/2 hours, with an estimated total of 4 hours, including stopping at the saddle for lunch. This is a steep hike, and the expected speed is moderately fast. Based on the elevation gain and speed this is an INTERMEDIATE hike - sign up only if you are an experienced hiker and can handle the distance and elevation gain at a semi-fast pace. Because we are carpooling, we don't want anyone falling far behind.

Bring 1-2 liters of water. We will stop at the saddle to eat, so you may want to bring lunch or snacks. Also, when signing up, please state whether you can drive. We will need up to 3 drivers.

By RSVP-ing "Yes" to this event you are agreeing to hold the event host/organizer not liable for any personal injury, death or property damage that occurs during the event or in transit to or from the event, including, but not limited to, your failure to stay with the leader and group throughout the event.
6 attendees
9 seats left
Wed, Nov 5 · 5:30 PM MST
Wednesday Tumamoc Conditioning Walk
Tumamoc Hill, Tumamoc Hill Rd & W Anklam Rd, Tucson, AZ, US
The hikers will gather at the corner of West Anklam and Tumamoc Hill road at 5:30 pm and take a quick walk up the hill. Please remember to bring water and a flashlight in case the moon is hiding. Here's the skinny: 3.1 miles roundtrip, 730 ft climb. This is not a guided tour. Since we will be going at our own pace to stay in shape, this may not be an appropriate hike for beginners or first timers.

Important Note: This is a regularly event every Wednesday, an organizer may not attend. There are a number of other members who do this walk though. If you are coming for the first time, look for a group of people at the start of the paved path by Anklam Road. Keep in mind that Tumamoc is very popular, i.e. there may be a 200 other people walking up the hill. Just look for a group of people (3 or more) at the start of the path and don't hesitate to approach and ask them if they are the hiking group. The group leaves promptly. If you are late, you are still welcome to walk the hill by yourself. Thank you for your understanding and Happy Trails!

Be adult and responsible; hike at your own risk.
6 attendees
Thu, Nov 6 · 7:00 AM MST
Tucson Mts: Bowen House via Hidden Canyon/Bowen/Yetman Trails
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ, US
Welcome to Mike's Quiet Hikes

This hike will be in the 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park.
There is a route map here:
Google MyMaps

• Mileage: 4.50 miles total
• Total elevation gain 700'
• Rating: C - Intermediate
• Duration: 3+ hours
**RESTRICTIONS: No guests, dogs, firearms, vaping or tobacco
• Cell phones SILENT during hike
By RSVP-ing "Yes" to this event you are agreeing to hold the event host/organizer not liable for any personal injury, death or property damage that occurs during the event or in transit to and from the event.

The Hike:
This trail starts at the Starr Pass Resort & Spa Lorraine Lee Hidden Canyon trail head.

At 1.0 mile we reach the summit. At this point we have gained most of the 700' of Accumulated Elevation Gain on this hike.
From the summit we will get a good view of the north end of the Starr Valley. Big and Little Cat Mountains and Ringtail (Second) Ridge can be seen from here.
For the next .60 miles the Hidden Canyon Trail winds down to the Bowen Trail using a series of rocky, sometimes steep switchbacks. On this section we will lose most of the elevation gained on the hike to the summit.
Now we will take the Bowen Trail northwest to where it intersects with the Yetman Trail.
Once on the Yetman trail we will continue south through the Starr Valley about a half mile until we reach the Bowen House. This section takes us through open desert and in and out of Mesquite lined arroyos.

Once we reach the Bowen house, we will take time to enjoy and explore the wonderful ruin as well as a leisurely rest/snack break.
We will return by backtracking on the Yetman trail to the Bowen trail which will take us back to our starting point.
There is route maps here:
Google MyMaps

RSVP etiquette:
• Sign up only if you really intend to come
• If you need to cancel, do so BEFORE the RSVP deadline so someone can have 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? Cell: 304.290.8066
WV-Mike
----
More info:
The Hidden Canyon Trail
In 2009 The Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved naming this 1.5 trail after the late Chicana activist Lorraine Lee.
The Hidden Canyon Trail switchbacks up the north side of the canyon to the ridge for 1.0 mile. At .85 miles there is a nice vista point where we will be able to see the Tower Peak to the west and the Tortolita Range and Dove Mountain to the east. From this point we will also be able to see the Camino de Oeste trailhead, the eastern terminus of the Yetman Trail.

Yetman Trail
The Yetman Trail is named for Tucson's best known desert rat and naturalist David Yetman. Yetman was host of the Emmy Award winning TV documentary "The Desert Speaks" which ran for 10 years. He also served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors for 10 years. Additionally he is a research social scientist with the Univerity of Arizona's College of Social & Behavioral Sciences Southwest Center. Yetman has been at the Southwest Center since 1992.

Bowen Stone House
In the late 1920s Sherry Bowen brought his wife, Ruby, to Tucson from Rockford, Ill., in hopes that the climate would improve her health.
The Bowens homesteaded in the Tucson Mountains and built first a cabin and then what now remains of the current house which was built out of native stone.
Sherry and Ruby moved to New York City in 1944. By this time the Bowen homestead consisted of 200 acres. Their homestead became part of Tucson Mountain Park in 1983.
12 attendees
Fri, Nov 7 · 7:00 PM MST
The Friday Night Sabino Stroll!
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5630 N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ, US
Donate here to support our group!

Join us for our weekly Sabino Stroll! This is a great hike for new members. We walk up the paved tram road and enjoy the views of Sabino Canyon. Please note that the bathrooms near the parking lot are closed at 4:30 pm. However, there are open bathrooms along the tram road.

We have two separate groups:
6 pm Group:
- Usually led by Chel.
- Speed: 3.5 to 4 mph.
- Elevation is less than 740 feet.
- More of a fitness group and faster-paced.
- Goes all of the tram road and back (7.4 miles total)
- If you are attending the 6 pm group: Please type in the comment section, "6 pm.” We have a core group of hikers at 6 pm. I need to know who will be joining us! Especially if you are new or pop in and out of our Stroll events!
7 pm Group:
- Usually led by Don.
- Speed 2 to 3 mph.
- Elevation is less than 300 feet.
- The 7 pm group is best for people new to the Stroll and our group.
- Goes about 4 miles in all and walks at a more modest and varied pace.
- This group stops at the "Scorpion Wall," just beyond the 2-mile marker.
- We look for scorpions on that wall by using a black light. The black light makes them glow in the dark! This is neat to see for the first time or see again! Bring a black light if you can. If not, usually there is at least one person with a blacklight.
- Most usually attend the 7 pm group, so there is NO need to comment that you are attending 7 pm It's only the 6 pm group that needs to.
MEETING PLACE:
- The covered area (a ramada) by the main parking lot.

STARTING THE HIKE:
The Stroll starts on time! We begin by talking about the Stroll, safety, quick round of introductions, and then we start! If no host is present at the appointed time (+5 minutes), begin the Stroll anyways!

RISKS: Like with any hiking event, there is always a risk. Depending on the time of the year, you may see a rattlesnake or other animals. My tips from being on the Stroll for almost 10 years is to keep away from the shoulder, have a light, pay attention, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife! Don't ever feed wildlife! By signing up for this event you agree to Stroll at your own risk.

PARKING FEE:
Do you have a valid Coronado National Forest pass?
America the Beautiful Pass works too (senior, military, or other).
YES - Make sure it's visible inside your vehicle. Your parking is paid for and that's it!
NO - Sabino Canyon has day & week passes available online: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74388
You can also pay in person via a self-pay station located near Sabino Canyon's ramada (the covered area near the parking lot).

WHAT TO HAVE:
1 - Water (1-2 liters and make sure you have additional water during the
summer)
2 - Hiking appropriate clothes AND shoes for the weather
3 - Headlamp or flashlight
4 - If it's cloudy, be prepared for possible rain
Optional: Blacklight, if you are going on the 7 pm hike.

RULES: No vaping/smoking, weapons, or dogs. Please only sign up if you know you can go.

AFTER HIKE OPTION: After The Stroll, the 6 pm and 7 pm group will gather at the Arizona Pizza Company at 4955 N Sabino Canyon Rd for food and drinks. It is about a mile south of the Sabino Canyon parking lot. I hope to see you there! https://maps.app.goo.gl/BLw9o52YRff4Bd4o9
25 attendees