Daniel R. Sanderman - Hiking Arizona

When I lived in Oregon, I loved the outdoors: the vast
forests, rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls. I thought
that coming out to Arizona would be the end of my outdoor
interests. Little did I know that the desert can be beautiful
and enjoyable, in its own way. If you've never taken a hike
out here, or are considering visiting the area, you must
give hiking a try. It is a wonderful way to escape the city
and academic life for a short while.

I hope to provide some information on my favorite hikes,
along with pictures. Enjoy!

When you're in Tucson, walking around on the University of Arizona campus, you will no doubt be struck by
a beautiful mountain range exploding out of the desert just to the north of the city. This range is called
the Santa Catalina Mountains and is home to some really great hiking trails: everything from
"stairclimber" routes into the mountains to Sabino Canyon, easily the most popular day-hike destination
for casual hikers.

Mt. Kimball Area
On the southern end of the Coronado National Forest, a group of fantastic canyons and peaks beckon
hiking enthusiasts to climb their challenging terrain. If you're into hikes that involve some stairclimbs, this
is the area for you. And best of all, their location provides quick and easy access to Tucson without having
to pay for a pass.

Hikes Reviewed:
Ventana Trail (12 miles)

Sabino Canyon Area
The Sabino Canyon area is a very popular destination for Tucsonans and visitors. Walkers, hikers, runners,
and bikers use its paved and well-maintained trails year-round. There is a $5/day fee required to enter the
park. My suggestion is that if you plan to stay in Tucson and like to get out hiking, just buy a year's pass
(only $20). It will get you into the Coronado National Forest for an entire year. What a deal!

Hikes Reviewed:
Bear Canyon - Seven Falls (8 miles)
Bear Canyon - Sabino Canyon Loop (17 miles)

Gordon Hirabayashi Prison Camp Area
In the 1930s, Tucsonans decided they wanted a road up the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains in order to
escape from the hot summers. In order to cut costs, a "Federal Honor Camp" was established to house
prisoners who would be forced to work on the road. In 1942, Gordon Hirabayashi challenged the internment
of Japanese Americans and lost, forcing him to serve out his sentence at the Tucson Honor Camp. In 1999,
the Coronado National Forest named a new recreation site after Hirabayashi, just beyond milepost 7 on
the Catalina Highway at the old location of the prison. The area includes a campground, a corral, and
access to several trails in the Santa Catalinas.

Hikes Reviewed:
Soldier Trail (5.25 miles)
Molino Basin & Bellota Trail to the West Spring (8.75 miles)
Sycamore Reservoir (3.8 miles)
Hutch's Pool (13.50 miles)