Catalina Mts: Bear Canyon Trail to Seven Falls

Length: 8.0 miles => Out and Back
Starting Elevation: 2600'
Highest Elevation: 3250'
Elevation Gain: 650'
Rated: C - Intermediate (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Hike%20Rating%20Scale.pdf): Not suitable for beginners.
*Dogs are not permitted (http://sabinocanyon.org/MusicintheCanyonFrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm) in Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a FEE AREA. Bring your pass or extortion money - $5.00

It is often said by seasoned Tucson hikers: "If you only do one hike in the Catalinas, it should be to Seven Falls." After several hikes up to the falls, I concur. And what a great way to bring in the New Year!

This easy going route provides about all the great scenery you could want in a desert hike: great vistas, lush riparian and gorgeous Sonoran habitats, and of course the spectacular Seven Fall area - the destination for this hike.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/9/c/event_192883932.jpeg

We will start from the visitors center and proceed at a leisurely pace for the entire hike. I like to stop and enjoy the scenery and take a closer look at interesting plants and rocks. On my last visit there we saw a Ringtail Cat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring-tailed_cat) tap dancing it's way along the boulder strewn banks of the creek. Maybe we will get lucky!

There are exactly 7 stream crossings on the way to Seven Falls. Depending on the water level you may get your feet wet. To avoid this, some boulder hopping will be required. Trekking poles or a walking stick might help with these crossings.

When we get to the falls we will enjoy our lunch/snacks and chill. This is a great place to just hang out for a while and enjoy the natural beauty of the area and each others company.

There is a good hike description here (http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/hike8.htm).

Please Bring: 2+ liters of water, food for a snacks/lunch, sun protection.

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)

Hike at your own risk.

If you have questions email me or call me at 304.290.8066