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!
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 the membership 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
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The Halloween Friday Night Sabino Stroll!
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5630 N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ, USDonate here to support our group!
Join us for our weekly Sabino Stroll! This is a great hike for new members. We walk up the paved tram road and enjoy the views of Sabino Canyon. Please note that the bathrooms near the parking lot are closed at 4:30 pm. However, there are open bathrooms along the tram road.
Don won't be able to lead the 7 pm group for this event. Halloween is an important celebration for him, so he will be celebrating and handing out candy. We'll find someone to replace him. If you're interested, please let me know!
We have two separate groups:
6 pm Group:
- Usually led by Chel.
- Speed: 3.5 to 4 mph.
- Elevation is less than 740 feet.
- More of a fitness group and faster-paced.
- Goes all of the tram road and back (7.4 miles total)- If you are attending the 6 pm group: Please type in the comment section, "6 pm.” We have a core group of hikers at 6 pm. I need to know who will be joining us! Especially if you are new or pop in and out of our Stroll events!
7 pm Group:
- Usually led by Don.
- Speed 2 to 3 mph.
- Elevation is less than 300 feet.
- The 7 pm group is best for people new to the Stroll and our group.
- Goes about 4 miles in all and walks at a more modest and varied pace.
- This group stops at the "Scorpion Wall," just beyond the 2-mile marker.- We look for scorpions on that wall by using a black light. The black light makes them glow in the dark! This is neat to see for the first time or see again! Bring a black light if you can. If not, usually there is at least one person with a blacklight.
- Most usually attend the 7 pm group, so there is NO need to comment that you are attending 7 pm It's only the 6 pm group that needs to.
MEETING PLACE:
- The covered area (a ramada) by the main parking lot.STARTING THE HIKE:
The Stroll starts on time! We begin by talking about the Stroll, safety, quick round of introductions, and then we start! If no host is present at the appointed time (+5 minutes), begin the Stroll anyway!RISKS: Like with any hiking event, there is always a risk. Depending on the time of the year, you may see a rattlesnake or other animals. My tips from being on the Stroll for almost 10 years is to keep away from the shoulder, have a light, pay attention, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife! Don't ever feed wildlife! By signing up for this event you agree to Stroll at your own risk.
PARKING FEE:
Do you have a valid Coronado National Forest pass?
America the Beautiful Pass works too (senior, military, or other).
YES - Make sure it's visible inside your vehicle. Your parking is paid for and that's it!
NO - Sabino Canyon has day & week passes available online: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74388
You can also pay in person via a self-pay station near Sabino Canyon's ramada (the covered area near the parking lot.)WHAT TO HAVE:
1 - Water (1-2 liters and make sure you have additional water during the
summer)
2 - Hiking appropriate clothes AND shoes for the weather
3 - Headlamp or flashlight
4 - If it's cloudy, be prepared for possible rain
Optional: Blacklight, if you are going on the 7 pm hike.RULES: No vaping/smoking, weapons, or dogs. Please only sign up if you know you can go.
AFTER HIKE OPTION: After The Stroll, the 6 pm and 7 pm group will gather at the Arizona Pizza Company at 4955 N Sabino Canyon Rd for food and drinks. It is about a mile south of the Sabino Canyon parking lot. I hope to see you there! https://maps.app.goo.gl/BLw9o52YRff4Bd4o9
9 attendees
Tucson Mts: Max Shemwell Lasso
Sarasota Trailhead, 2737 S Sarasota Blvd, Tucson, AZ, USWelcome to Mike's Quiet Hikes.
This hike will be in the Starr Valley of the 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park.
This saguaro studded scenic valley is surrounded by craggy mountains and has a complex network of trails, the latest of which is the Max Shemwell Trail.• Mileage: 5.25 miles total
• Total elevation gain 500'
*Rating: C - Intermediate
*Duration: 3+ hours
**RESTRICTIONS: No guests, dogs, firearms, vaping or tobacco
• Cell phones SILENT during hikeBy RSVP-ing "Yes" to this event you are agreeing to hold the event host/organizer not liable for any personal injury, death or property damage that occurs during the event or in transit to and from the event.
We will start out on the Sarasota Trail which switchbacks up the south facing flank of Little Cat Mountain and then follows the contour east to Starr Pass where we will squeeze through the pass and make a short climb to an open area which gives a commanding view of the Starr Valley and the Catalina Mountains. This is where the Explorer, Sarasota and Starr Pass Trails intersect.
From this juncture we will take the Explorer Trail east to the point where it intersects the Max Shemwell Trail.
We will then drop down into a quiet and remote feeling valley until we descend into Painted Hills Wash, crossover and connect with the 36th Street Trail. We will take the 36th Street Trail to Starr Pass Trail and then head west across the Starr Valley, then south on the Starr Pass Trail to the intersection of the Explorer, Sarasota and Starr Pass Trail we previously hiked through.
From this point we will take the Sarasota Trail back to the trail head.
There are route maps here:
AllTrails
Google MyMapsRSVP etiquette:
• Sign up only if you really intend to come
• If you need to cancel, do so BEFORE the RSVP deadline so someone can have your spot
• If you change your mind, take yourself off the Going or Wait list
• Please don't be a no-show
Be sure to bring adequate water, food, trekking poles, etc.
As always - Hike at Your Own Risk
Questions? Cell: 304.290.8066
WV-Mike
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More info: Max Shemwell Trail
The trail is named in honor of Max who died suddenly at the age of 61. Max was a tireless supporter of trails in Pima County and a well-known advocate for protecting open spaces. He was a long-time member of Pima Trails Association and a long-time volunteer with Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, Arizona Trail Association, and the Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation trails program.12 attendees
Past events
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