Catalina State Park - Romero Ruins Trail

>> Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Just a short jaunt was all I had time or health for this week, but it is an ideal trail if you want a nice sunset hike one evening. I arrived at Catalina State Park (Tucson, Arizona) just after 6pm. I had my eyes on the beautiful late day light and shadows on the Catalina mountains and was looking for a good place to get a little exercise, but mostly view the sunset. The Romero Ruin trail is less than a mile and takes you around a small ruins with historical guidance along the way. The ruins isn't very impressive after you've visited someplace like Mesa Verde, but I took the hike to look at the mountains so that didn't bother me. One thing I really found impressive was a massive saguaro that was along the trail (above photo); I can't imagine how old that plant must be. One things for sure, the world has changed a lot since that thing was just a little sap. I was excited to see the cholla blooming as well as buds showing up on the saguaro. I found a peaceful, pretty spot to setup the camera for a few shots. The earlier clouds of the day had mostly disappeared, leaving a pretty sunset but not of the intensity of my last trip. It just became a still meditative evening to sit on a bench and watch the sunset, gaze at the sliver of moon, and feel the gentle, warm breeze blowing. A nice way to end the day.


If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
Click here for Catalina State Park information.

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Coronado National Forest - Mt. Lemmon - Marshall Gulch / Wilderness of Rocks Trail

>> Saturday, April 25, 2009

The temperature finally got too hot for hiking in the desert, so it was off to the mountains for this weeks hike. I took the Catalina highway out of Tucson, up and up, all the way till it runs out, to arrive at the Marshall Gulch trail head and picnic area at Mt. Lemmon. This is a wonderful spot nestled in a valley with a stream meandering through it with many little rapids and falls. The area looks like it could use some work as you have to park outside the gate and walk in as the roads and bridge are in definite need of repair. The Marshall Gulch hike starts in the parking lot by the outhouse (yeah - nice) and follows along the stream with a slight incline for a good distance. There is a trail right next to the stream and one that is higher up the hill. It appears the top trail is the official one and maybe the trail along the stream comes from people wanting to be right down by the river. It is a peaceful, pretty area with fairly easy hiking no matter which trail you choose. Unfortunately, there is a lot of burned out trees marring the hillside, some even in the valley smothering the stream, a reminder of fires from a few years ago. This hike takes you into the wilderness area very quickly and has one decent climb near the end to get you up onto the ridge where several trails meet up. I would be heading for the Wilderness of Rocks, a fairly popular area for both day hikers and backpackers as well. (As usual, since I am hiking on a weekday I only ran into a few other hikers and a small backpacking group, but it was quite obvious on weekends the area may get a lot of use.) As the NFS website states the name stands out in the trail listing and naturally draws people to it. The trail goes mostly downhill at the start and there isn't much to see except forest with some boulders about; although there is a decent overlook of where you'll be headed if you keep your eyes peeled. When you get to a massive boulder that appears to of had some rock climbers using it, to the left is a little path onto another boulder providing an excellent view of what's to come. Like Marshall Gulch this trail will work its way down to a nice stream flowing through the valley, amongst the rocks. I moved at a steady pace which was not too hard on this hike as most of the time the trail was a dirt path or went across flat rock. There were some hills, rocky stretches, and a few tricky spots due to tree falls from fires that added some challenges, but overall it was easier hiking than my last 2 canyon hikes. Eventually it brings you to an area of rock formations in all directions and boulders doing all sorts of balancing acts appearing to defy the laws of gravity. It is an awesome, rugged area of rock sculptures and pools. The trail immerses you in this wonderland, wandering all through these interesting formations. As you begin to leave the big rocks behind, you will go through a small grassy open area that has a small amount of water where a branch of the river begins and you will be met with a good climb up, which gets you to the Mt. Lemmon trail junction. If your intent is just to hike through the rocks I'd stop at this point, but you do get a nice view of the area if you hike to the top of the ridge. After making it to the top and resting for a while I began a leisurely journey back, this time knowing that I should make it back well before sunset. I really enjoyed this hike and will plan an overnight there in the future. This 11.5 mile round trip with an elevation staying between about 7,500-8,500 ft made for a great days adventure without placing me on the brink of exhaustion. My heart was definitely pounding at this height, especially at the beginning, but by taking my time, enjoying the surroundings, and taking picture and meditation stops I had no problem with having the energy to complete it. If you like this trip I'd highly recommend visiting the Chiricahua's in southeastern Arizona. They are also a "Sky Island" and have many similarities to the Catalina mountains including plenteous rock formations, many of which are more accessible if a long hike is not something you can do. If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
For Coronado National Forest visitor information click here.

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Catalina State Park - Romero Canyon & Pools Trail

>> Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Another nice desert day and I'm off to hike the highly recommended trail to Romero Pools in the canyon of the same name that is accessible at Catalina State Park. The hike started fairly easy with a wide sandy/gravel trail obviously used for horseback riding. The Lord blessed me with a great hiking day with mild temperatures and wispy cirrus clouds overhead for much of my walk. A little over a mile in, the trail changes dramatically to a fairly narrow, winding, rocky climb. From that trail junction on it would alternate between brief easy stretches to boulder climbing rocky areas with quite a grade at times. The trail worked its way quickly to dramatic views of a rugged canyon with glimpses back towards civilization. The trail is popular but with it being a weekday the numbers of other hikers I encountered was fairly small. The trail can be very busy on weekends and holidays despite being a fairly challenging 2.8 mile trip to the pool access. On arrival I was pleased by the stillness, being able to take in the sounds of water, wind, and an occasional hummingbird flying around. They seemed rather excited over the blooming ocotillo that are one of the few abundant flowers at present. The Romero pools stretch for a good distance through the canyon and include some nice ripples and a waterfall, adding to their attraction. As I scoped out the area I could see further up into the canyon, which I'm sure will become a future hike - Not today - Today I am content to watch and listen to the water tumbling over the rocks, sit in the shade and just take in the beauty of this place. After an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon I slowly began the return hike. Dark clouds were rolling in, creating a striking contrast with the rocks. Occasionally, they splashed me with some rain, but not much. I walked with my camera out, capturing numerous images of the golden late day light illuminating the canyon walls. The grand finale of this stunning hike was an intense sunset of blazing orange and pink tones highlighting the dark clouds. Yet one more great hiking spot in Tucson.If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
Click here for Catalina State Park information.

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Coronado National Forest - Ventana Canyon Trail

>> Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Another pleasant day got me out to take on a challenging hike up to a natural arch in a jagged rock formation overlooking the spectacular Ventana Canyon within Coronado National Forest. Finding the trail to Ventana Canyon is interesting as it starts in the back of the employee parking at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort; a helpful staff member there helped me locate it. Early on the trail goes in between parcels of private land so you're stuck with some hiking with tall fences on either side of you until you get into the canyon. Once you're in you realize immediately that this will be an awesome hike through one of the more stunning canyons in the Catalina mountain range. Jagged colorful towers of rock loom above you as you hike up through a wash on the canyon floor. Birds of many kinds were everywhere making up for the lack of wildlife on some of my other recent excursions. Blue jays, cardinals, finches, quail, a woodpecker, and hummingbirds frolicked in the trees along the wash. The trail featured some steep climbs and some tough rocky areas to be negotiated on the journey as well as a few places where the trail wasn't so obvious. This really increased the amount of time required to complete the appx. 13 mile round trip I had planned. I stopped for a snack alongside an area of pools where water is generally present year-round creating an oasis, a perfect spot for some wildlife and flower viewing. Beyond the pools I never saw another hiker on this not too heavily traveled Tucson trail. After my brief stay I needed to press on so I could reach the arch which I was determined to make it to. It wasn't too long before the arch came into view situated well up on the hillside, meaning I still had some decent climbing yet to do. (If you look real hard you can barely make it out in the small image to the left.) Up and up through the switchbacks the trail rose and the beauty just continued to increase. As I approached a fork in the trail I found a small rattlesnake stretched out right across my path. It stayed quite still despite my presence allowing me a few pictures and then I cautiously went around it and on my way. I stopped and gazed at some striking rock formations ahead on the Finger rock trail and then I continued on to the Esperro Canyon trail which would take me to my final destination. After the heart pounding climb to over 7,000 feet, I was finally on top of the ridge featuring an incredible view with a canyon on my left and right as I hiked along it. I kept staring at the city below; Tucson seemed a world away from where I was. While being alone in the canyon was a wonderful experience I was also a bit concerned how far away I was with nightfall not too far off. As I fought my way up towards the pillars of rock I somehow missed the arch; the trees and bushes and the trails angle obscured my view a bit as I was hiking and I goofed. After hiking for a bit I realized I had to of somehow passed it and turned around. Coming from the other direction and downhill the light shining through the rocks made the arch easy to spot and I celebrated that I had finally made it! With the sun sinking quickly there was only time for a few pictures and a snack before beginning a swift descent back to civilization. I barreled down the trail not wanting to get back too late but also knowing a full moon along with my flashlight would be there for me if I didn't make it before nightfall. Late day light illuminated the canyon, its yellow glow enhancing the majesty of this special place. As darkness settled into the canyon I turned on my light, knowing that the trail was hard to follow when it would cross back and forth through the wash. At one point I lost the trail which is a bit nerve racking in the dark. I decided to hike down the wash which would have worked ordinarily, but I ran into a fence for private property (what a pain). Anyway, I quickly backtracked and was able to locate it again. I was close to the private property which meant fences on both sides of me making it near impossible to get off the trail again. Under a full moon I finished my trek back to the trail head where I was greeted by a pack of javelina's who were probably sad that I finished every ounce of food I took with me on this trip. I was spent to say the least. That will go down as one of the toughest hikes I've done, but it was absolutely well worth it and I'm sure I'll do it again.

If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
For Coronado National Forest visitor information click here.

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Saguaro National Park (West/Tucson District) #1 - Sweetwater Trail

>> Tuesday, April 7, 2009

This past weeks jaunt was a day hike that ended as a night hike due to loosing track of time. The temperature was mild on this sunny day, with not a cloud in sight. A cool breeze was stirring making it an ideal hiking day again. I was tackling the Camino del Cerro / Sweetwater Trail up to Wasson Peak on the eastern side of Saguaro National Park's Tucson district. The hike had been written up in Arizona Highways as a good one for wildflowers and I felt well prepared to handle the gradual 4.6 mile climb to the top of the peak. I set off on the trail which largely ascends small hills with occasional drops down to washes and then back up again. The trail is sometimes smooth and sometimes rocky with small areas of loose rocks. Quite often in the beginning are steps going up the hills which eventually stop as the trail gets up in mileage. The dry spring we've had made for far fewer wildflowers than what one would find in a good year. Most flowers were small and few in number. It was obvious from the plants I observed that a wet year would have brought these rocky hills alive with a potpourri of blooms that would be quite stunning. Thankfully the gorgeous blooms of a short barrel shaped cactus and ocotillo made the hike worthwhile. Their stunning color was easy to spot in the dry earth tones making up the majority of the hillside. As the day was early, I took my time, hiking slow enough that a few other hikers passed me on this lightly traveled trail. I stopped numerous times to look at flowers and watch bees playing in the pollen of the intense purple blooms of some cactus. This was an enjoyable hike which seemed to go quickly despite the long climb. The view along the way was spectacular and when finally at the top you could see a great distance in all directions. It provided a wonderful look at Tucson, and the Catalina's, and out across the desert landscape. I spent some time enjoying this view before meandering my way slowly back down. Desiring to catch the evening light on the Catalina's I worked may way back to a spot with a nice view along the trail. I hung out there and relaxed and enjoyed what nature had to offer. As the sun began its descent I began taking some photos of fiery red ocotillo plants with the Catalina mountains in the background. The lighting and contrast was spectacular but just didn't show up well on the camera. After enjoying some of this late day spectacle I headed off down the trail figuring I could make it back before dark. Normally I have my cell phone with me and can get the time for sunset and know when to start my return, but due to its dead battery it was of no use. The daylight disappeared in a hurry and the trail which seemed so short coming in, seemed much longer on the return. Darkness closed in quickly and I was thankful of the half moon directly over head, lighting my path. (I had a flashlight in my pack available but was enjoying the night stroll.) I hiked quickly back, more concerned of whether someone would lock the gate stranding my vehicle and I inside than anything else, as the trail closes at sunset (no one closed the gate). I didn't come across any wildlife, except a few birds, in the late day, which was a surprise but was also good since you'd rather not spook a skunk or such. It was yet another fantastic hike off and away from city life into the beauty and solitude of creation.

If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
For Saguaro Nat'l. Park visitor information click here.

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Sacred Spaces Travel is...

An insider's travel journal to places of wonder, to God's creation at its best. A spiritual, insightful, helpful, travel guide to locations that will touch your soul. Only heaven itself could outdo the magnificence of these sites. Without a doubt, the most beauty one can experience this side of eternity. The adventure begins in my neck of the woods, the desert southwest (Tucson, AZ and beyond). Explore through images, writing, and tips places where man only comes as a visitor. Where the flora and fauna are in control and we humans are only present to marvel at their glory. Season by season we'll observe nature go through her circle of life. Prepare to embark on a journey devoid of worldly concerns to where a bit of heaven touches earth. For it is in those wild, quiet, deserted, sacred spaces God's voice more clearly is heard.

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