The Tucson Hiking Meetup Group

The Friday Night Sabino Stroll!

Fri, Mar 27 · 7:00 PM MST

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5630 N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ, US

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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 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: The 6 and 7 pm group will gather after for drinks and/or something to eat. I will post the information in the comments.

Catalina Mts: Prison Camp to Sycamore Reservoir

Sat, Mar 28 · 7:10 AM MST

MCDONALDS, 9075 E Tanque Verde Rd, TUCSON, AZ, US

Would anyone like to join me hiking from the Prison Camp to Sycamore Reservoir? This area is rich in history and natural beauty. As of now the weather forecast is for a cloudy day and we’ll be in slightly higher elevation so it should be perfect hiking conditions!

When & Where to Meet

• Saturday March 28th arrive no later than 7:00 am because we will leave promptly at 7:10
• Carpool meeting location: McDonalds located at 9075 E Tanque Verde Rd. Look for my white RAV4 with the hatch open. I can accommodate 3 Riders and when you rsvp let us know if you prefer to be a Rider or a Driver. Riders please be prepared to compensate your driver with a few dollars to cover gas, wear & tear on their vehicle.

Trail Details:
We will begin at the AZ Trail parking area near the Catalina Hwy, walking through the campground and eventually intersect the AZ trail, climbing up to the Shreve Saddle for beautiful views. From here we will start our descent as the trail switchbacks down into Sycamore canyon. Although the Sycamore reservoir is filled in, it’s always been lush when I’ve visited and offers a riparian like habitat. We will break here for snacks before heading back out the same way we arrived.

Expectations:

• 5.25 mile round trip for the portion that I plan to hike.
• Total Elevation Gain: 1,000'
• Rating: Intermediate
• Estimated hiking time: 3 hours but remember this depends on our slowest hiker so completion time may vary.

Suggestions:

• Bring a packed lunch or snacks
• Bring a minimum 2 liter of water
• Standard hiking layers, hat, sunblock, hiking boots, poles.

For history buffs you can learn more about:
Forrest Shreve
Catalina Federal Honor Camp
Gordon Hirabayashi

LIABILITY / RULES:
***By RSVP-ing "Yes" to this event you are agreeing that the event host isn't liable for any personal injury, death or property damage that occurs during the event or in transit to and from the event. You are confirming that you are an adult who is capable of hiking under your own supervision. You're also agreeing to no firearms, dogs, tobacco or vaping products during the event.***

Ciénega Creek Downstream Hike

Sat, Mar 28 · 8:00 AM MST

Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, Tucson, AZ, US

Ciénega Creek Natural Preserve is a 4,010-acre site that preserves a portion of Ciénega Creek watershed flowing through eastern Pima County. This unexpected landscape, with quiet pools, seeps, and springs shaded with cottonwood, willow and high cliffs, supports exceptional biodiversity.
Now is the time, while Ciénega Creek has water running and the temperature there is suitable for hiking. More information about that Preserve:
https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c0a288b6-37b3-428f-8fa4-fcbe7a56e78a

https://tucsonaudubon.org/festival-events/cienega-creek-davidson-canyon-with-pima-county-naturalist-jeff-babson/

Chris obtained a few hiking permits for Saturday, March 28th, 2026. We will do an easy downstream hike of a section of the Ciénega Creek at the Natural Preserve. It is about a 6 miles hike with 100 feet elevation change. Below is the hiking track of that section of Ciénega Creek:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.7/-110.6199/32.0115&pubLink=axdVAQzOpUhmRyeb9FrCv8nL&trackId=1f247377-6956-46bb-8c60-a88e1dfbeb69

We will meet at 8am, at Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E Marsh Station Rd, Vail, AZ 85641 (32.01403763233667, -110.64758954663905) to carpool. We will caravan the hikers to Pantano Townsite dirt parking lot (32.00217153428495, -110.58213814718827). Then hike about 6 miles one way downstream from Pantano Townsite back to Gabe Zimmerman TH. We will shuttle the 'drivers' back to Pantano Townsite to pick up their vehicles.

The water level of the creek, in spring, is usually only ankle high, or less than knee high, be aware, we will hike in the water half of the time, so make sure you have water shoes or waterproof footwear. BE PREPARED!

Since it is a permit area, please sign up ONLY if you are serious about joining us. If you signed up but need to change your plan, please update your status ASAP. Please do not "NO SHOW"!!!!

Few days before the event, I will send permits to those who signed up for the hike. Please print your copy of the permit for hiking and parking at Pantano Townsite.

After the hike, if anyone is interested, we will meet for lunch at Montgomery's Grill & Saloon (13190 E Colossal Cave Rd, #190, Vail, AZ 85641)