Tucson, AZ
March 23, 2016
Yesterday, Joe and I headed south of Tucson to Madera Canyon for a hike to Josephine Saddle in the Santa Rita Mountains. Two trails take you to the saddle, the steeper 2.2 mile route up the Old Baldy Trail or the longer, less steep 4 mile route up the Super Trail. Either way, it is a cool mountain hike and well worth the effort.
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| Madera Canyon Road. |
Both trailheads are located at the end of Madera Canyon Trail.
After climbing the hill from the parking lot, Old Baldy tucks into the hilly forest.
Joe and I find it is much easier on our knees going up steep climbs than down them so we started on Old Baldy. Yes, it is steep, rocky and strenuous...a 2080 gain in elevation.
Most of Old Baldy is well maintained, but there are areas " just a few hard rocks away from mountain climbing".
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| Sometimes the trail looked like this... |
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| sometimes it looked like this... |
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| and sometimes we climbed rocks like this. |
As we climbed, scrub bushes changed to ponderosas, oaks and sycamore trees. Beautiful giant trees protecting the forest floor...
Looking out...
and up.
At the top of Josephine Saddle is a memorial that marks the place where three young Boy Scouts died during a sudden snowstorm in 1958.
Here, we connected to the Super Trail for our route back to Madera Canyon.
Even though Super Trail is longer, it is much easier with wonderful vistas and a few surprises.
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| I think this is a yellow lupine. |
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| Our trail... |
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| This manzanita has already flowered making these red berries. |
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| The first of two spiny lizards we saw. |
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| We saw lots of Indian Paint Brush blooming. |
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| A few spots of snow left... |
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| The second spiny lizard...what a beauty. |
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| A tiny waterfall...we followed this creek the last 2 miles. |
Either direction, Joe and I would recommend this 6.7 mile hike if you are near Tucson. It's a great way to spend the day ! Until next time...
happy trails!
Such a beautiful hike, and such a tragic tale it holds. A reminder that the outdoor life style we chose and enjoy is at the mercy of nature. Looking forward to your next hike!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff...we will be heading north next Monday. Next hikes will be Sedona.
DeleteMadera Canyon has tons of great hikes. Just left there a few weeks ago. Thanks for the pics!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome!
DeleteAs my "full" name is Josephine, I'm delighted to see such a beautiful place with the same! Those are quite the rocks to traverse. Love the lizards, beautiful indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe blue/turquoise color in the lizards was so pretty Jodee.
DeleteIt's so nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors and not have to worry about a freak snowstorm. There are so many places to explore and so much to see.
ReplyDeleteAmen Jeri!
DeleteAnother wonderful hike and excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteYes it was George!
DeleteWe love Madera Canyons trail offerings! What a treed oasis in the desert.
ReplyDeleteBox Canyon Mark
With temps in the 90s here in Tucson, it was quite nice Mark!
DeleteGreat hike you two!! Joe is really doing well...Utah here you come!! This is a great loop especially with the much warmer temps in Tucson. I was glad that coming down Old Baldy was mainly just sloping ground. My knees don't like coming down either. Going up is much easier. But I fould this trail fine coming down. You got a much better workout going up, for sure. Great day!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day. We can't wait to set up home in Moab! See you soon!
DeleteGreat vistas! Looks like you both got quite a workout at the onset but I'd say it paid off in scenery.
ReplyDeleteIt was full of surprises like the 4 deer that ran across the trail right in front of us. I was definitely on camera overload Gayle.
DeleteWe loved that hike too! The lizards are so cool, such amazing detail in their skin!
ReplyDeleteIt was one of those hikes I would choose to do again Lisa. So much to take in. I totally agree about the lizards!
DeleteAs you may recall we had snow on the trail when we were there and followed the same route you did. And now without it the trail sure looks so different, and wildflowers were blooming for you.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures, Gay!