Catalina Mts: Soldier Trail to the Hirabayashi Rec Area campground for lunch

__ Carpooling required for this hike.

__ See: https://goo.gl/p5beb5 for more info

Length: 6.0 mi Out and Back
El Gain: 1615' AEG: 2000'

• Rated "D"- Intermediate: https://goo.gl/ZzDBGG
  Restrictions: ** No Guests, dogs, firearms or tobacco**
  Elevation profile: https://goo.gl/ap7wmX

The beginning of the hike provides some fantastic views looking south into the Tucson basin which is ringed by the Catalina, Rincon, Santa Rita and Tucson Mts. All will be showcased from the minute we step out the cars until we climb to a high point and then drop into Soldier Canyon.
From that point on we will be in the bosom of the Catalina Mountains.

The Hike:
If you were looking up at the first section of the The Soldier Trail you might mistake it for a steep, rocky gully. And, that is essentially what it is. Although I would not call it a scramble, the first several hundred feet of elevation gain are a pretty steep ascent with l lots of loose rocks. Coming back down this section at the end of the hike you will need to be careful not to lose your footing or balance.
Once at the top of the gully it opens up to a broad area of large sheet rock with rivulets and pools carved into them.
Here we will see a mortaro (grinding hole) once used by the indigenous peoples and enjoy more fine views to the south.

After 1.5 miles and 1000' feet of elevation gain we will arrive at Soldier Canyon with its deep crevices and large boulders and adjacent flat area. Here we will make a short stop to take in the views and catch our breath.

This trail follows the route of an old road and power line from the Catalina Hwy to the site of a now-abandoned prison camp beside the Hwy. (See Prison camp info below)

The camp has been razed and the power line removed. The road has been closed and is being allowed to return to a natural condition.
The trail follows portions of this old route and provides access to an excellent example of higher elevation Sonoran desert and takes us to our lunch spot and turn around point.

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

RSVP etiquette:

• Sign up only if you really intend to come
• If you need to cancel, do so by the deadline
• If you change your mind take yourself off the Going or Wait list
• Please don't be a no-show

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 MU Group (https://goo.gl/tPJFiM)
~ Tucson Hiking MU - No Show Policy (https://goo.gl/K52bM1)
~Hike Rating Scale (https://goo.gl/ZzDBGG)

Questions?
Email me: https://goo.gl/cDpyN4
Call only if necessary: CELL - 304.290.8066

Prison Camp info:
The "Catalina Federal Honor Camp" (AKA: prison) was established in 1939 to provide prison labor to build the Catalina Highway. During World War II many of the prisoners at the Honor Camp were draft resisters and conscientious objectors. In 1999, the recreation area was renamed for its most famous prisoner, Gordon Hirabayishi, who served 90 days there for challenging the constitutionality of internment of Japanese American citizens.

All of the prisoners at the honor camp had been convicted of Federal crimes, ranging from immigration law violations to tax evasion to bank robbery. During World War II, many of the prisoners at the honor camp were conscientious objectors, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Hopi Indians, whose religions prohibited them from serving in the military. Some of the prisoners were Japanese Americans protesting the "Japanese American Relocation," the largest forced removal and incarceration in U.S. history.

In 1942, Gordon Hirabayashi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Hirabayashi) was a senior at the University of Washington in Seattle. Instead of reporting for relocation, Hirabayashi turned himself in to the FBI. He challenged the constitutionality of internment and a curfew imposed on Japanese American Citizens, since both were based solely on race or ancestry.