Tucson Mts: Cat's Crack, Krein Summit Lariat - East Yetman Return

Length: 6.0 mile lariat
1200' AEG
Rated: C - Intermediate (http://goo.gl/ZzDBGG)
Not suitable for beginners.
Restrictions: ** No Guests, dogs, firearms or tobacco**

Elevation Profile: https://goo.gl/TGGRwX
Google Map of the hike route: https://goo.gl/fZyYpq
Trail head location: https://goo.gl/T4rTy2

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

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 a trail which connects to the John Krein Trail (JKT), an 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 as it makes it way to the summit.

About mid way we will take a short side spur to Krein summit, our hight point for the hike. Here we will stop for a rest break, snacks and to sign the register which is stashed in a buried ammo box.

When we drop back off of Krein Summit we walk west along the ridge line and then switch back down the north side of 1st ridge. At the bottom of the trail we will intersect with the Yetman Trail. From here we will head east on the Yetman trail until we intersect with a new trail which skirts the southwest base of 1st Ridge and then takes us back to Starr Pass and the Sarasota 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 click on the links below and read them:

~ About the Tucson Hiking Meetup Group ( https://goo.gl/tPJFiM )

~ Tucson Hiking Meetup Group - No Show Policy ( https://goo.gl/K52bM1 )

~Hike Rating Scale ( https://goo.gl/ZzDBGG )

If you have questions or need to reach me you can send me and email using the message link on this page: https://goo.gl/cDpyN4

Call only if necessary: CELL - 304.290.8066