SUTHERLAND TRAIL
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Fascinating geological features are everywhere. |
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| Water pools in Sutherland Wash |
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| 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.
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| The beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains. |
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| An Arizona Ash tree frames a saguaro-cluttered ridge |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Saguaros and riparian plants grown in close proximity. |
It’s
available as a free e-book on the park website.
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| 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.
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| Reflecting pool near the Canyon Loop Trail junction |
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| 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.
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| Chollas soak up sun in the savannah-like open range. |
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| 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.
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| 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
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