Beginner Hike: Tucson Mt Park - Brown Mt Loop

Length: 4.0 mi Out & Back
Elevation gain: 500'
Starting Point: 2640'
Summit: 3098'

• Rating: D - Beginner
  **Dogs are not permitted (http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/parks/tmp/index.htm) in Tucson Mt Park

NOTE: Hike starts at 1:30

Trail head location:
Brown Mountain Picnic Area, North Kinney Road (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211151916971589136864.0004d460a04d8be018621&msa=0)

Google map directions to the trail head location are here (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211151916971589136864.0004d460a04d8be018621&msa=0&ll=32.26304,-111.028519&spn=0.152706,0.308647).

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Just to the west of I-10 and south of the Western Distinct of Saguaro National Park lies the 20,000 acre Tucson Mountain Park.
The Park was established in April of 1929 by then Pima County Parks Commissioner C. B. Brown.

Along with many miles of open, flat to rolling hikes in Tucson Mountain Park is the hike up to the 3098' summit of Brown Mountain.

This hike starts with a climb up the west side of the south peak of Brown Mt via a series of switch backs. The trail then winds it's way along the ridge where can stop and take in the views. The trail then crosses the saddle to the north peak. The trail winds down along the east side on a series of switchbacks to the wash which is the same as the starting elevation. Here we will cross the wash to the Juan Santa Cruz Picnic (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211151916971589136864.0004d460a04d8be018621&msa=0) Areafor a rest stop and snack. There is water and rest rooms at the picnic area.

After snacks the hike finishes up with a nearly flat meander along and through the wash to the starting point.

This hike will provide great views of the Tucson Mountains to the north, including the Red Rock area of the Western District of Saguaro National Park . We will also get great views of Golden Gate Peak and Cat Mountain to the east as well as expansive views to the south towards Kit Peak and the Baboquivari Mountains.

Add to that the ever present beauty of typical Sonoran Desert vegetation: Palo Verde, Beaver-tail cactus, Cholla and some really big Saguaro and it all adds up to make for a great way for beginner hikers to see a lot in a short hike.

There is is Tucson Mt Park map here (http://files.meetup.com/372195/TucMtPark_Hike-Map_11x17.pdf).
There is a hike detail map here. (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Brown%20Mt%20Loop%20Detail%20Map.pdf)

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

If you are new to the group please read these:

About the Tucson Hiking Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/tucsonhiking/about/)
Tucson Hiking Meetup Group - No Show Policy (http://files.meetup.com/372195/No%20Show%20Policy.pdf)
Tips for Beginning Hikers - Sierra Club (http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/index.htm)
Hike Rating Scale (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Hike%20Rating%20Scale.pdf)

If you have questions or need to reach me:
Cell: 304.290.8066
WV-Mike (https://www.meetup.com/tucsonhiking/members/13110160/)