Beginner Hike: Quickie in the Cats - Linda Vista Loop

Length:3.0 mile loop
Elev gain: 400'
Rated: D - Beginner
*No dogs please
**Carpooling suggested for this hike

DEPART the Walgreens at 10:00.
A map of the trail head location is here (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=206775289695202721439.000477df8b41a2b311abf&msa=0).

I will meet you at the trail head.

This is a mellow hike that is short and sweet.
The start of this nearly 3 mile loop on the north end of the Santa Catalina Mountains will take us through dense stands of Prickly Pear cactus and Foothills Paloverde with a sprinkling of Saguaros.
When we reach the trail crest on the western side the vegetation thins out and the views open up towards Oro Valley.
Although this is a short beginners hike with minimal elevation gain some may find the steeper sections of the trail a challenge. Some of the trail has loose rocky sections so if you are unsure of your footing, bring a hiking stick or trekking poles.

"The trail traverses a rich Sonoran Desert landscape along the base of mighty Pusch Ridge. Linda Vista delights with quiet little desert nooks, grand views across the Oro Valley area, and just a taste of the rugged and steep hillsides that leap up towards the high reaches of Pusch Ridge. It is wonderful and surprising to find such enjoyable hiking so near civilization."
Source: Summit Hut Trail Blog (http://blog.summithut.com/post/2010/01/11/Linda-Vista-Trail.aspx)

There is a trail map here (http://blog.summithut.com/image.axd?picture=WindowsLiveWriter/LindaVistaTrail_9C44/Map_2.jpg).

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

If you are new to the group or a beginner hiker 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/index.htm)

If you have questions or need to reach me:
CELL - 304.290.8066