Catalina Mts: Sutherland Trail to the Big Rock for Lunch

Length: 5.0 miles Out and Back
Elev gain: +- 700'
Rated: D
**No dogs please

• State Park Fee - $7.00 per car (1-4 Adults)

Meet at the parking lot next to the Bank. We will then car pool across the road to the State Park. If you have a AZ SP pass - Bring it!

We will hike the Sutherland trail to the big rock and then have lunch. We will return by the same route when everyone is ready.

The Hike:

This is a fairly flat, out and back hike, beginning off the Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park (fee). It is an easy hike with only a little climbing. From parking, you'll look for the Sutherland/Canyon Loop sign (face the road from Parking and go to the left). About 15 minutes up the trail is the Sutherland Trail intersection.

The Canyon Loop stays right following the creek bottom.
Sutherland Trail immediately climbs to a plateau and levels off. Hiking along this flat area you will notice a small ridge in front and to the right, in the distance. The trail takes you to the ridge, then makes a gradual climb along its North side.
There are some interesting large rock formations that bring to mind an ambush in the old west.

Not far beyond is a wire gate and fence, marking the forest boundary. Always properly close these gates! The trail now crosses a wash, with pools and large rock expanses, perfect for a picnic stop and the most common turn around on this trail. It's only 5 minutes to the intersection with the 50 year trail and a rocky road that leads toward Mt. Lemmon.

Click here (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=852) for another route description (includes Mt Lemmon section)
Click here (http://azstateparks.com/Parks/CATA/) for Catalina State Park web site
Click here (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Catalina%20SP%20Hiking%20Map.pdf) for Catalina State Park hiking map

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

If you are new to the group please click in the links below and read them :

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
Email: WV-Mike (https://www.meetup.com/tucsonhiking/members/13110160/)