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 (4+)
See all- The Friday Night Sabino StrollSabino Canyon Recreation Area, Tucson, AZ
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.
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 anyways!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
- Tucson Mts: Vertical Cliffs - Saguaro NP WestVertical Cliffs - Belmont Rd access, Tucson, AZ
• Mileage: 4.0 miles total
• Total elevation gain: 300'
• Rating: C/D - Beginner/Intermediate
(Some rough steep sections)
**RESTRICTIONS: No guests, dogs, firearms, or tobacco/vaping
• Cell phones: SILENT during hikeUse this Google maps link to find the trailhead parking, which is at a gate on the left side of the road.
https://tinyurl.com/25ezhebt
DO NOT block the gate. Some may need to park along the side of the road.The Route: (AllTrails)
We will start at the gas line gate and walk the short distance to the Vertical Cliffs Trail. We will then take a left onto a rocky and rough section of the Veterans Trail and hike down to the basin, passing the Animal Wash trail on the left, and then turning right onto the Abbington trail. We will follow the Abbington Trail to where it intersects the Vertical Cliffs Trail and then bear left down into the wash, where there is an old windmill pump and some very fine examples of morteros.Here we will break for a snack before walking back up out of the wash and turning left onto the Vertical Cliffs Trail. It is on this trail we will see a "baby" crested Saguaro.
We will continue on the Vertical Cliffs Trail to an unofficial left fork, which will take us close to the base of the trail's namesake, the Vertical Cliffs. We will then continue on to back to the trailhead.RSVP etiquette:
• Sign up only if you really intend to come
• If you need to cancel, do so BEFORE the RSVP deadline so someone can get 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**** Please Read ****
As we are hiking, let's all try to keep our conversations ***only loud enough*** for those to whom we are directly speaking to hear.
Doing this will show our respect and consideration for other hikers who want to relax and enjoy the quiet space of our beautiful Sonoran Desert.
And we should all take a break from our conversations now and then and contribute to the peace and quiet of the hike.