Tucson Mts: Cat's Crack, 1st Ridge and the John Krein Trail

Length: 4.25 mile loop

Elev gain: 930'

• Rating: Intermediate

**Dogs are not permitted in Tucson Mt Park

Look for a white van with WV plates at the trail head parking area

Hike STARTS at 9:45 and ends several hours later

Compared to the popular Catalina and Santa Rita Mountains the trails in the Tucson Mountains see very little foot traffic - even on the weekends.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/8/b/600_432940331.jpeg

The Tucsons are a popular destination for Mt Bikers and it is not unusual to see more people on bikes than on foot and one must stay alert on the weekends.

So, if you have not been hiking in this area of the Tucson Mountains you are in for a treat - moderately challenging trails, great views and trails that are lightly traveled. And of course some super groovy natives like Cholla, Barrel and Saguaro cactus with a few Cactus Wrens and Curved-billed Thrashers thrown in for good measure.

This hike starts with the Starr Pass trail which cuts between the Crack of the Cats. In other words: between Big Cat and Little Cat Mts.

Once we reach the saddle we will head west on an unofficial trail which connects to the John Krein Trail (JKT), another unofficial trail which will take us up to 1st Ridge.

Once we hit the JKT we will immediately start a steep rocky ascent until we reach the top of 1st Ridge. Here and elsewhere along the ridge line we will have commanding, 360 degree views of all the mountain ranges in the area.

The JKT wanders along the ridge line and north side of 1st Ridge.

About mid way we will take a short side spur to a high point for a rest break, snacks and to sign the register which is stashed in a buried ammo box.

Eventually we will switch back down the north side of the ridge and intersect with the Yetman Trail which we will take west.

Then we will pickup an old jeep trail to another unnamed trail section and end up back at our starting point.

Click here (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Tucson%20Mountains%20area%20map.pdf) for Tucson Mt area map

Click here (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Tucson%20Mts%20-%20Cats%20Crack%20and%201st%20ridge%20trail%20map.pdf) for a Tucson Mts - Cats Crack and 1st ridge trail map

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

If you are new to the group please visit these links:

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/hikingtips.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/)