What we’re about
Our group features hikes of variable length & ability. Beginner hikes range from 2 to 4 miles, while advanced hikes may be up to 16 miles and may feature bushwacking & rock scrambling. Beginner and moderate hikes usually are a mixed group between athletic pace and slow or moderate pace. Having fun talking, taking pictures, and admiring the beautiful Sonoran desert is all part of the package deal.
Many factors determine the difficulty of a hike: mileage, terrain, elevation, and pace. The hike rating scale that we have adopted is:
A - Extreme: no limit for distance or elevation
B - Advanced: maximum 16 miles or 3000' gain
C - Intermediate: maximum 8 miles or 1500' gain
D - Beginner: maximum 4 miles or 500' gain
This group is open to new members. We hope you'll join us!
Want to help support the membership of this group?
Frequently asked questions about hiking with this group answered:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jADC4K2_gRzviAznMmQWzNAbpIhPCKIpcpEetyN_AVY/edit?usp=sharing
Organizer Chel has a hiking YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPXU-ZP9hbi0dnVkjVadrVg.
Want to help support the cost of this group and/or the YouTube channel?https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TucsonAreaHiking
Assistant Organizer Larry has a hiking blog: https://daringdayhikes.home.blog/
Assistant Organizer, Bruce L. has a Reddit group you can join! https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson_backpacking/s/P438eFoxjJ
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Red Ridge to Oracle RidgeLe Buzz, Tucson, AZ
Another training hike is coming up.
With the temperature rising up, and my need for high altitude hike training, we will go on another Mt Lemmon hike.
Red Ridge Trail is named for the red color of the rocks and soil along sections of the ridge. It has great views of all the other great North Ridges of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
AZ Passage 12 has oak-studded grasslands, panoramic ridgetop views, biodiversity (from desert to pine forests), and historic mining areas. It offers expansive views of Oracle and the surrounding basin and range landscape, as well as Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Catalina Camp Trail # 401 is 1.7 miles long trail changes about 1200 feet along an overgrown old jeep track along a steep canyon that eventually leads down to an old mine and establishment, Catalina Camp. There is a small cabin and shed (32.48093, -110.76039) to explore. Just east of the cabin, notice a small cairned path heading off into the drainage. This leads to a small old mine. This is presumably part of the Hartman Homestake Mines.
Three years ago, I organized a counterclockwise loop hike of these three trails. This time, I would like to do the clockwise loop hiking down from the Red Ridge Trail, to the connector (Catalina Camp Trail), then hike up to AZ Passage 12 to the Oracle Ridge Trailhead (32.451672359102474, -110.75428692593009), near Mt Lemmon Fire station. Total of 7.5 miles hike + 1.2 miles vehicle shuttle.
We will meet at Le Buzz at 6am for carpooling and caravan to Red Ridge Trailhead. Then drivers will take all the vehicles to the Oracle Ridge Trailhead which is 1.2 miles away. I need one vehicle to take all the drivers back to Red Ridge TH.
Here is my Gaia route and profile for this hike:
Red Ridge Trail & AZ Passage 12 LoopPlease bring a sun hat, plenty of water, snacks and lunch. We can stop at Summer Haven for a beverage, cookie, fudge or snack after the hike.