Catalina Mts: Ventana Canyon to Maiden Pools

Length 4.8 miles RT

El gain: 1290'

Rating: C (Intermediate)

Hiking Time: 4+ hours

Dogs not allowed

It has been about 20 years since I have been up to Maiden Pools. For me this will be like the first time all over again.

Trail Description (Sierra Club Tucson Trail Guide)
About 15 minutes from the trailhead the trail enters the mouth of Ventana Canyon, and another 5 minutes brings you to a barbed wire fence with a walk-thru gate, and signs informing you that you are entering the wilderness area.

The canyon here is narrow, with steep rocky walls, and is very beautiful. The vegetation is your standard bajada mix, with saguaros, ocotillo, prickly pear, mesquite trees, etc. From here the trail moves upcanyon, crossing the streambed a few times.

The trail levels out when you reach the top of the ridge that you have been climbing, about 30 minutes after the trail left the streambed. After about 6 minutes of level trail there is a beautiful waterfall and pools area with large flat rocks for sitting and sunbathing. The trail continues upcanyon through oak trees and some pools and is pretty level.

About 6 minutes above the waterfall area there is a sign which says dogs are prohibited above this point. I think this point is Maiden Pools. We will have some rest and relaxation at the pools before heading back down the way we came.

More info here: http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/sports/article_c515c7b4-4c3d-11e1-b056-0019bb2963f4.html

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)
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 (NO TEXTING)

WV-Mike