SUTHERLAND TRAIL

SUTHERLAND TRAIL

Sutherland Wash in Catalina State Park

Amazing geology, abundant wildlife and a fantastic fusion of terrains are just a few of the many features of the Sutherland Trail in Tucson.

Views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalina Mtns.

The 9-mile route that begins as a groomed path in Catalina State Park and ends near the top of Mount Lemmon where it intersects the Arizona Trail melds a collection of tame walks and grueling mountain climbs.  The trail’s dramatic mood shifts can be attributed to the contrasting ambiences of the park, Coronado National Forest, Pusch Ridge Wilderness and a protected Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area.

Fascinating geological features are everywhere.

Water pools in Sutherland Wash

Looking west over the Canada del Oro channel.

Whether you’re interested in the full-strength trek or a mild sampler, Sutherland Trail adapts to fit.  The trail’s first 2.6 miles are within park boundaries and make for an approachable stroll with minimal climbing.  The well-signed route complements the park’s diverse repertoire of trails, offering a customizable, visually-rich journey.

The beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains.

An Arizona Ash tree frames a saguaro-cluttered ridge

Ocotillos front Pusch Ridge peaks.

The route departs the main trailhead, tracing the sandy course of Sutherland Wash at the base of the Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalina Mountains.  Draped by mesquite trees and flanked by a wall of massive saguaros, this easy passage puts the granitic pinnacles and deep fractures of the Catalinas front-and-center. Soaring to over 8000 feet, the geologically complicated mountains are the result of millions of years of upheavals, volcanism and erosion that’s still shaping the landscape today. 

At the edge of the park boundary, the trail feels more wild.

Within a half-mile, the trail makes a dip into the wash where a smattering of velvet ash, willow and other riparian trees sink their roots deep into the sandy pediment.  During wet periods when water shimmies over the soft channel, hikers must use stepping stones and sandbars to hop the rivulets. 

Stream terraces seen from Sutherland Trail

A few steps beyond the crossing on a knoll above wash, a metal sign gives a fly-over explanation about the formation of the mountains seen across the wash.

For a more detailed account,  geek out over  A Guide to the Geology of Catalina State Park and the Western Santa Catalina Mountains by John V. Bezy.

Saguaros and riparian plants grown in close proximity.

It’s available as a free e-book on the park website.

Stepping stones and sandbars assist wash crossings

Just around the bend at the junction with the park’s 2.3-mile Canyon Loop circuit, the trail begins its uphill assault. 

Reflecting pool near the Canyon Loop Trail junction

The Sutherland Trail passes through bighorn sheep territory

For a shorter option, take the easy loop which gains only 300 feet of elevation as it crosses the wash several times on its way back to the trailhead. 

Chollas soak up sun in the savannah-like open range.

Many species of grasses grow along the trail.

From this point, Sutherland Trail ascends to a sunny grassland above the Canada del Oro--a natural, water-carved channel that carries runoff from the watershed of Mount Lemmon.  A short climb up a ridge on wooden steps opens up views of cobbled stream terraces and the Tucson Mountains to the west. 

Soaptree yuccas in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area

Replete with cholla, wild grasses and fruit-bearing shrubs, this open savannah-like segment ducks in-and-out of the wilderness and the bighorn sheep management area on a slender, meandering single track. Before roaming through the sheep recovery area, it's smart to read up on how to do so responsibly by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department website https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/biggame/bighornsheep/. Also, as sheep are easily disturbed by dogs, please leave Fido at home. 

As it passes among jointed boulders stuffed with crystalized quartz, patches of mesquite, floodplains and soaptree yuccas growing from cracked, stone outcroppings, the route takes on a more primitive feel.   At the 2.6-mile point, it’s decision time.  To continue on Sutherland, head right at the Trail Link junction for a difficult ascent up toward Mount Lemmon. For an 8.8-mile loop, follow the link 2.2 miles, and take the 50 Year Trail south back to the park. Otherwise, retrace your steps and enjoy the tour in reverse.

LENGTH: 9.1 miles one way full trail or 2.6 miles one-way for the park segment

RATING: easy to difficult

ELEVATION: 2700 - 8560 feet full trail or 2700-3360 park segment

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Tangerine Road exit 240 and go east to State Route 77 (Oracle Road). Turn left (south) and continue 0.7 mile to the park entrance on the left.

Pay fee at the gate and continue 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed in the park but may not enter the Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area.

FEE: $7 daily fee per vehicle.

INFO: Catalina State Park

https://azstateparks.com/catalina/

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Bighorn Sheep information:
https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/biggame/bighornsheep/

FINGER ROCK CANYON TRAIL

FINGER ROCK CANYON TRAIL #42

Pusch Ridge Wilderness, Tucson

Finger Rock Canyon Trail

Commanding the skyline above Finger Rock Canyon is an eponymous stone pinnacle that resembles a clenched fist with its index finger pointing toward the heavens. This is your first clue to the nature of the trail that makes an aggressive, unrelenting ascent of its rugged domain. Finger Rock Trail #42 begins with a moderate walk among massive rock slabs, sheer cliff faces, saguaros and seasonal creeks replete with mini waterfalls and lush greenery. But don't get too comfortable because the party's over at the 1-mile point, where just beyond Finger Rock Spring, the trail begins its assault on your physical and mental fortitude. The route wastes no time gaining elevation. Like a giant staircase, the trail moves uphill via tight switchbacks and high-step maneuvers with few breaks in between. Much of the path clings to the edge of the canyon walls offering both terrific views and plenty of queasy exposure. In some spots, you're hiking just inches from sheer drop offs. The canyon's sharp-edged geology, hardy Upper Sonoran Zone vegetation and unspoiled ambiance are a tribute to its protected status within Pusch Ridge Wilderness.

Although the suburbs and industrial parks of Tucson are visible from the trail, the canyon oozes a strong, untamed character. Embrace the wild by inhaling the brisk mountain breezes, listening for tumbling water and the cries of raptors while keeping an eye out for desert big horn sheep creeping along clefts and ridge lines. (To protect the sheep, dogs are not allowed on the trails within the wildlife management area).

Conquering this delightfully agonizing trail is a feather-in-the-cap for experts, but trekkers of all skill levels can also enjoy the hike by adapting the length to suit. The super-high-octane version of this trek includes a side trip up to 7,258-foot Mount Kimball. To reach the summit, veer left at the junction with Pima Canyon Trail #62 at 3.9 miles and hike a half-mile on #62 to the summit spur. Other landmark-specific turnaround points are listed below.

Turnaround options:

Finger Rock Spring: 1 mile, 3,520' (400' elevation gain)

Wind Cave: 2 miles, 4,500' (1,380' elevation gain)

Linda Vista Saddle: 3.5 miles, 5,700' (2,580' elevation gain)

Mt. Kimball: 4.2 miles, 7,258' (4,138' elevation gain)

LENGTH: 6.3 miles one-way (Trail #42 only)

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 3,120' - 6,880'(trail #42 proper)

RULES: dogs are not allowed

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Ina Road exit 248. Follow Ina Road to where it curves into Skyline Drive, continue to the 9.6-mile point, turn left on Alvernon Road and go 0.9 mile to the trailhead parking lot on the left. The trail begins a few yards up the road on Alvernon.

INFO & MAP: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=25644&actid=50

Desert Big Horn Sheep:

https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/biggame/bighornsheep

ORACLE STATE PARK TRAILS

ORACLE STATE PARK TRAILS

Windmill Loop connects with the Arizona Trail

Because Oracle State Park is open only on weekends, there's a narrow window of opportunity for hiking the site's 15 miles of trails during the cooler months. Located in a prime wildlife corridor of high desert scrub and savannah grasslands, the park is bolstered by the far northern reaches of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains and the sprawling rampart of the Galiuro range looming over the meandering gorge of the San Pedro River to the west. Although there's little shade on the 8 routes that amble among stands of Soaptree yucca, agaves, isolated patches of scrub oak and fruit-bearing cholla, the upside is that the sun drenched foothills display unobstructed, "see-forever" vistas. The best time to hike here is November through April when crisp mountain breezes whipping through hip-high forbs add hair-rustling fun to the trek.  Despite being within a park setting with all the expected amenities, the trails have a nice wilderness feel to them.  Sightings of mammals like whitetail deer, fox, javelina as well as native birds and reptiles are common. Passage 13 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which skirts the park's edge, connects with several of the routes.  Excellent signage and soft footing make for easy, pain-free travel on most of the trails. The one exception is the Windmill Loop that begins at the bottom of Kannally Wash with a trudge through calf-cramping sand with few directional signs.  Post hike, visit the park’s Kannally Ranch House.  The 1930s-era, adobe structure with its, multiple levels, twisting staircases, unusual art-embellished spaces and a kitchen with a wall of original iceboxes adds a note of history to top off your day.

LENGTH: 15 miles plus 4 miles of AZT

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 3700' - 4600'

HOURS: Saturdays & Sundays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic areas, museum, gift shop

FEES: $7 daily fee per vehicle

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take Highway 79 south. At the junction with Highway 77 turn left (east). Turn right off Highway 77 at the Oracle turnoff. Follow the road through Oracle (America Avenue) 2.3 miles to Mt. Lemmon Road. Turn right on Mt. Lemmon Road. Follow it 1.1 miles to the park entrance. The park is located on the left (north) side of Mt. Lemmon Road.

INFO:

Oracle State Park

3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle, AZ

520-896-2425

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/ORAC/index.html

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Springtime hike in the Santa Catalina Mountains

ASPEN-MARSHALL GULCH LOOP

Pusch Ridge Wilderness

Half blaze-ravaged moonscape, half creek side woodland, this famously crowded loop hike makes for an interesting first-hand look at the cycle of wildfire forest destruction and subsequent regeneration.

Willowy, white-barked aspens--the quintessential trees of mountain climes--depend on fire for their survival. This species needs lots of sunlight to grow and reproduce, and their natural lifecycle includes succumbing to the shade and crowding brought on by encroaching conifers. When wildfires clear the trees and open the forest floor to sunlight, aspens shoot up rapidly, and right now, they’re having a heyday on the slopes of Mt. Lemmon.

A hike on the Aspen-Marshall Gulch loop showcases this miracle of nature in progress. The tour begins on Aspen Trail #93, progressing uphill through a patchwork of burned areas, fir woodlands and clusters of aspens. Soon, the path enters a dell of slender white-trunk sprouts with vivid green leaves that rustle and sway in a graveyard of charred pine stumps. Beyond this point the route ducks in and out of scorched tracts and intact woodlands before emerging on a sooty, snag-cluttered saddle. Here, the dramatic effects of recent blazes draw visceral reactions. It’s a charred and barren scab of a place. The trail gets a bit sketchy in this area, so watch for cairns leading up to the junction with Marshall Gulch Trail #3. Here, the route leaves the ashen badlands passing through a labyrinth of stone before heading downhill and into another world replete with creek side maples, ferns and alders rounding out the dichotomous flavor of this hike.

View from Aspen Trail

LENGTH: 5.1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 7,410 – 8,400 feet

RATING: difficult

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 158 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

Aspen sapplings

From I10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway go left and drive uphill 27 miles through Summerhaven to the end of the road at the Marshall Gulch picnic area. Roads are 100% paved.

FEE: $5 Catalina Highway daily fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic area,

INFO: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, (520) 749-8700

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/trails/aspen_marshall.shtml

BUTTERFLY TRAIL

BUTTERFLY TRAIL

Santa Catalina Mountains

Five thousand feet below the Butterfly Trail #16, the San Pedro River drifts in placid meanders through a hazy desert basin separating southeastern Arizona’s Santa Catalina and Galiuro Mountain ranges. In addition to vertigo-inducing views, this trail offers a lot of variety in terms of bio diversity and interesting side trips. From the upper trailhead, the hike begins as a pleasant stroll in the woods. For those looking for an easy outing, it’s best to start at this end and turn around before the trail begins its 2,000-foot dip down the mountain. Over its pitchy course, the trail passes through a medley of fir-pine, juniper, yucca, moist seep areas and fire damaged segments where charred stumps cling to sheer slopes. Near the midway point, the dribbling water of Novio Spring fosters an oasis of flowering shrubs, nodding columbines and the butterflies for which the trail is named. Below the spring, Novio Falls spews an intermittent veil of water over bare rock. There’s also an informal path (usually marked with red trail tape) leading to the wreckage of a 1957 F-86 plane crash located a half mile past the spring. Two trailheads access this route, so it can be hiked either as an out-and-back or in two-car exchange style.

LENGTH: 5.7 miles one-way

ELEVATION: 6,500 – 8,500 feet

RATING: moderate-difficult

DOG RATING: fair

KID FRIENDLY:  somewhat

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 153 miles  one way

GETTING THERE:

UPPER BUTTERFLY TRAILHEAD:

From I10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway go left and drive uphill 22.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

FACILITIES: restrooms

LOWER BIGELOW TRAILHEAD:

From I10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway go left and drive uphill 19.5 miles to the Lower Bigelow trailhead on the right. Roads are 100% paved. FACILITIES: restrooms, water

FEE: $5 Catalina Highway daily fee per vehicle

INFO: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, (520) 749-8700

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/trails/butterfly.shtml

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MOUNT BIGELOW

MOUNT BIGELOW

Tucson

View from the Summit of Mt. Bigelow

In terms of mountain summit hikes, this trek to a peak on the eastern edge of the Santa Catalina range ranks among the easiest. The ascent is gradual, winding uphill through fragrant stands of pine and oak thickets. At first, views are spare, but as the trail moves into its higher elevations, glimpses of the surrounding desert break through the timbers. On the summit, a hardware jungle of communication towers and a fire lookout are anchored to the rock. Beyond the breezy peak and groaning metal, the grass-fringed summit ridge falls away to reveal the hazy grid of Tucson with muted silhouettes of wilderness peaks – including those of Mount Wrightson Wilderness – saturating an expansive landscape.

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 7,910-8,550 feet

RATING: easy

DOGS: easy

KID FRIENDLY?: yes

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 151 miles one way 

GETTING THERE: From I-10 in Tucson, take Grant Road (exit 256) and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway. Go left and drive uphill 19.5 miles to the Lower Bigelow trailhead on the right. All roads are paved.

FEE: $5 daily fee per vehicle for Catalina Highway

FACILITIES: restrooms, water

INFO: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, 520-749-8700,

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/trails/butterfly.shtml

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ROSE CANYON LAKE

ROSE CANYON LAKE

Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

With its pleasantly cool, canyon location on Mt. Lemmon, nearby camping, and convenient access to restrooms, drinking water and even a snack shack, Rose Canyon Lake draws the crowds on hot summer days. A 0.4-mile paved trail on the west side of the lake stays close to the water and is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers while a dirt trail on the opposite bank climbs to scenic rocky perches. Both trails are complemented by seating and plenty of shade making for effortless exploring around this tiny high altitude lake.

LENGTH: 0.7 mile total

ELEVATION: 7,000’

RATING: easy, partially barrier free

DOG RATING: dogs must be on leash and stay out of the water

KID FRIENDLY? absolutely

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 150 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From I10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway, go left and drive uphill 17 miles to the turn off for Rose Canyon Lake (FR 9) between mileposts 17 and 18 on the left. Follow the access road to the end. Roads are 100% paved.

FEES: There’s a $5 Catalina Highway daily fee per vehicle and an $8 day use fee per vehicle at the lake.

FACILITIES: restrooms, supply store, camping, picnic area, drinking water

PROGRAMS: interpretive programs, fishing, no swimming or boating

INFO: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, (520) 749-8700

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/lakes/rose_cyn_lake.shtml

ROMERO POOLS

“THE POOLS” Catalina State Park, Tucson Hemmed in by the stony slopes of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, Romero Canyon Trail #8 switchbacks uphill through classic high-desert terrain, revealing amazing views at every turn. At roughly the three-mile point, the ocotillo, creosote and Palo verde-studded hillsides give way to an oasis of waterfalls and swimming holes scoured out of Precambrian rock imbedded with streaks of glimmering quartz. Here, the perennial waters of the Romero Pools foster a green zone of riparian plant life. A tangle of moisture-loving plants including cattails, cottonwood and velvet ash flourish in the canyon’s drainage providing a cool and shady respite from the surrounding desert heat. It’s smart to hike this one early in the day to avoid brutal afternoon heat. HIGHLIGHTS: Unlikely pockets of cool water and riparian vegetation in the middle of the high desert. LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION RANGE: 2,700 – 3,600 feet NOTE: dogs are not allowed DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 130 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, travel south on I-10 to exit 240 (Tangerine Road). Continue 13.5 miles to stoplight at Oracle Road (Highway 77), go right (south) and follow the signs to the park entrance near milepost 81. Once inside the park, follow the main road 1.5 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead. FEES: $7 day use fee per vehicle.

INFORMATION: Catalina State Park, 520-628-5798,   http://azstateparks.com/

GREEN MOUNTAIN

GREEN MOUNTAIN Coronado National Forest Clinging to the slopes along scenic Catalina Highway in Tucson, the Green Mountain trail winds through a wilderness of wind-sculpted granite boulders. The steep, rugged route rambles among bizarre stone outcroppings--never straying far from the edge of the mountain and views of the yawning San Pedro River Valley below. Recent wildfires in the area (Ignore my personal snark: “there is no global warming, there is no global warming” ) have destroyed large portions of the forests that formerly shaded the trail. However, the spectacular vistas that have opened up as a result, make up for the loss. To really appreciate this trail, be sure to explore the spur paths that lead to lookout points on the cliffs where dizzying views of the surrounding mountain ranges fill the horizon. Even though this trail hovers between 6,000 and 7,300 feet in elevation, it still gets very warm in the summer months so, it’s best to plan an early start. LENGTH: 7.2 miles round-trip RATING: difficult ELEVATION: 6000' - 7300' FEE: $5 daily fee per vehicle. Exact change is required at the self-serve pay station. GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 to Tucson. In Tuscon, exit I-10 at Grant Road (exit 256). Go left on Grant Road and continue to Tanque Verde Road. Go left on Tanque Verde and continue to the turn off for Catalina Highway. Follow Catalina Highway for about 22 miles to the Upper Green Mountain trailhead (just before the San Pedro Vista Lookout area). INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/Coronado (520) 388-8300