Santa Rita Mts: Kent Springs Trail

Length: 6.3 miles Out & Back
Elev gain: 1700'
Start Elev - 5060'
Kent Springs Elev - 6720'
*Rated: C - Intermediate
**No dogs please

DEPART at 10:00 from the Boot Barn
Look for me there near the Subway in a White van with the hatch up
For questions or more info call me at: 304.290.8066

HIKE STARTS AT 11:00

There are ONLY 14 parking spots at the trail head. Let's carpool so we don't hog what few spaces are left.
There are no rest rooms or water at the trail head.
The trail head is directly across from the Amphitheater parking area.

Madera Canyon is a fee area - $5.00 per car.
These fees for recreational use will hopefully allow the Forest Service to continue to subsidize grazing leases and timber sales at their present generous levels.

This trail winds it's way up the west side of Madera Canyon and returns by the same route.

Highlights of this hike include a lovely oak/juniper forest, giant quartzite boulders, huge Arizona Sycamores, and, of course, some great views.

We will take time for rest stops, lunch and taking in the views so expect to be out for around 3-4 hours minimum. Lunch will be at the Spring.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/a/9/3/600_434247283.jpegPictured above is Bill Carter, veteran MeetUp hike leader.

Click here for a Madera Canyon Trail Map (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Madera%20Canyon%20Trail%20Map.pdf) with trails highlighted.

No rest rooms or water at the trail head.
Location of the Amphitheater parking lot is here (https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=zD06_uhZyXWo.kERDBgIY84Vs).

Highlights of this hike include a lovely oak/juniper forest, giant quartzite boulders, huge old Arizona Sycamores, and, of course, some great views all the way to Kit Peak.

"Kent Springs is named for a colorful Forest Service Ranger named William H. Kent, nicknamed "Whiskey Highball" Kent.
Kent set the boundaries of several Southern Arizona Forest Reserves in the 1900s.
He was forever in trouble with his superiors for wearing a red bandanna instead of his official ranger hat. He often held staff meetings ad a spring in Madera Canyon that now bears his name." Source: A History of Madera Canyon Published by the Friends of Madera Canyon (http://www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org/).

We will take time for rest stops, lunch at the Spring and taking in the views.

No rest rooms or water at the trail head.
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/hikingtips.htm)
Hike Rating Scale (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Hike%20Rating%20Scale.pdf)

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/e/c/event_335703052.jpeg