Sunday evening, it's raining and the snow line is creeping down the mountains.  Went for a quick hike Monday prior to another round of precipitation and colder air moving in.  Tuesday morning.....

.....I was relieved that the snow line stayed above Oro Valley.  It's close but missed us by a couple hundred feet as the overnight low stayed above freezing.

The Tucson Mountains got a good coating.

Interesting cloud formation lingers amongst the peaks of the Catalinas.

Table Mountain emerges as the clouds pass.

Our group of 11 arrive at a small pullout at the first hairpin turn on Catalina Highway as it begins the long climb to Mount Lemmon.  This being a popular parking spot for rock climbers, we were lucky to grab the coveted spots. We gear up and begin our hike just as two climbers head toward the canyon too.

In the 2 miles to our destination, simply the point at which we can go no farther, we will have gained 1700'.  In the distance, the hairpin turn and all traffic noise soon disappears.  I am anxious to arrive at the first major obstacle....

....the wall.  This image was taken during our return but it gives perspective on the height of the wall.  Too bad there was no water flow as that adds to the experience.

Above the hardy hikers all make it.  The hikes I have been organizing have attracted some regulars who are very fun people to be around.  Marc, Lorna, Katherine, Barry, Dee, Lorie, etc...  with Amy in charge of the entertainment committee while I focus on the route finding.  I become a little anxious prior to these hikes I suppose because hiking solo I just have to worry about me but the "what ifs" mount with others.  These hikes tend to be a tad on the dangerous side, ha, ha.

The colors of the rocks with layering is amazing.  New hiker, Mitch, has a background in geology so he provided some explanation which I won't pass on here as I trust all know how to use a search engine.

The group for which I am an organizer has 3200 members so I expect new people to join our hikes and all have been up to the required effort.  Well, expect for this hike.  A new guy was lagging behind significantly which caused some unneeded regroups.  I've never had to instruct someone to turn around but told him it would be ok if he wanted to wait for our return.  He declined and kept going which I respect but at some point it can impair the enjoyment of the  others.  I'm sure that line was crossed but everyone stayed patient and then after the hike, the guy quit his membership so that's that.  Note the water in the concave area of the rock.  That was about the extent of our water exposure.

There is more than one way around the many obstacles and Karyn on the right went one way while Amy and Lorie follow me.  Usually that is a wise choice but not always.

Occasionally there would be breaks in the climbing but that never lasts long.

We arrived at the most significant obstacle where I decided to climb high on the west slope to avoid a mass of huge boulders in the middle.  On the return, we went down the middle and that approach was more difficult.

Our hike continued and provided great but narrow views to the southwest.

At last, we enter a narrow section and Amy officially touches the end.  I had read there was a way to exit the canyon to the east and pick up the Soldier Trail.  Some of the group had become a little weary of the bouldering so I wanted to make a good faith effort to find a way out and pick up the trail option.

Mitch, having an extensive rock climbing background, offered to climb the wall and see if it was a viable exit option.  I was curious so followed him.  After some climbing, it appeared the exit was doable but we could not see far enough ahead to be certain so we returned.  My reentry to the floor of the canyon.....

....was less than graceful but I made it.

We headed back the way we came.  For perspective, note Mitch on the bottom right of the image and how he is dwarfed by the boulders.  Some of us wondered how cataclysmic of an event is required to tear the boulders asunder from the cliffs above.  

Upon entering a sunny area, we paused for a snack. Then.....

...we resumed our return.  This section was made a little easier by an abundance of vines that we could grab and control our descent off yet another large boulder.

Check out the above.  This is the section that I had avoided by climbing on the west side but I thought going through the middle would be fun.  I was kinda wrong about that. That there is a route is a small miracle.

As we neared the end of our adventure, we saw a couple of rock climbers on one of the east walls and later encountered a few taking a break from a climb on the west wall.  Fun experience but this is not for everyone and certainly not every week.  A return to regular hiking comes soon.

With recent rain, I wanted to make sure there would not be a problem with too much water flow for Saturday's hike through Soldier Canyon. Although our region didn't get much rain, the mountains always receive more so may as well check it out.

Dry but snow melt at higher elevations or maybe drainage from the rain has not percolated down here yet.  By tomorrow we could have some flow which will make a spectacular hike even better.

Around the corner from me is a development called, "LaCholla Airpark".  The roads are wide because in the middle of the development is a runway so some of the home owners can jump in their small plane, taxi to the runway and take off.  Above, a home has the nose of a single engine plane extending from it and the hull of a 727 attached to a hangar. 

BGE Amy, sent me the above image of "flying saucer" type clouds that have arrived ahead of a low pressure system that is forecast to bring us rain over several days.  That means the Hairpin Canyon hike for this Saturday will likely have a good flow of water for our bouldering adventure.  More to come.

Our group of 8, gather at the Canyon Lake Marina, off St. Rt. 88 (Apache Trail), 2 miles west of Tortilla Flat.  Hopping on the Boulder Canyon Trail, we ascend about 600' in a mile where the views of the lake and its surroundings are amazing but so too.....

......the interior of the Superstitions.  In the distance is Weaver's Needle with Battleship Mountain and Geronimo Head bordering the canyon to which we will soon descend.

Four Peaks Wilderness can be seen in the distance as we continue our hike.  Not surprisingly.....

....several other hikers are sharing the trail with us.  Note the three standing on an outcropping in the distance.

Below us, La Barge Canyon winds its way towards the Narrows.  At about mile 3, the trail reaches the canyon but rather than make the scheduled left turn, I lead the gang a little farther so we can visit an abandoned mine.  Just before reaching the mine....

.....a small group of horseback riders approaches.  We exchange pleasantries and then reach....

....the mine.  A foundation of a cabin still exists along with (upper right) a wall that was built to catch water.  We reverse our course and.....

....enter La Barge Canyon.  At first, the going is easy as we walk across bowling ball size rocks but soon they become much larger.  The route finding is not too difficult as we work up canyon and see....

....our destination, marked by the above, jagged wall.  As we draw closer, it appears the canyon is a dead end.

It's kind of slow going as we navigate the boulders with the awesome escarpment of Battleship Mountain touring over us.

Just when it would appear there is no way forward, the canyon cuts sharply left and we enter the awesome Narrows.

We drop our packs and explore the Narrows.  Just an amazing destination.  

The jagged, vertical walls frame the narrow canyon.  It's as if someone with a huge chisel, cut a serpentine route through solid rock.

Given the lack of rain, we are surprised there are pools, with an especially large one containing many guppies.  With rain likely for this week, the pools will receive a much needed replenishment. 

Note the reflection of our surroundings on the water.  

The walls are several hundred feet tall.  After a storm, it would be spectacular to watch the water churn through the canyon.  Had we continued through the canyon, we would emerge on the Cavalry Trail which we could take back to our cars but that would add about 4 miles to our hike so we gathered our gear and began the trek back.

Note the brush, piled against the trees.  At some point, water over 6' deep had filled the canyon.

The distance and bouldering had our group spread apart so we paused occasionally to regroup.  Always plentiful places to sit and recover.

The end of Battleship.  Odd how the sun is behind the structure but the light bounces off Geronimo Head, on the opposite side to illuminate the front.

We emerge from the final, steep climb (still a few moderate ones to go) and as always.....

....we all take many images of all that is before us.  Great group of hikers as we finish our 10.5 mile hike with 2000' of climbing....seemed more climbing then that.  On the last of the hard climbs, I assumed there would be a Strava segment so gave the climb a good effort but missed the KOM by 15 seconds.  Dang it.

A mighty saguaro, dead now as part of the destruction of the Bighorn fire.  I planned to hike to Romero Pools via the Romero Canyon trail.  There is a way to check activity on this trail through Strava and I saw there have been people who have been doing the hike.

Signage at the entrance stated the trail was closed.  A ranger, a couple of weeks ago, made some vague reference to liability concerns when I questioned him.  Seems odd to me that all trails in the Superstitions are open including the many miles through their equally devastating burn area.  Yet in the Catalinas, that considerable network of trails are mostly closed.

After a mile of hiking, I arrive at the point where signage restates the trail's closure.  I planned to keep going and complete the hike but then.....

....whoa, a newly installed, heavy duty gate with barbed wire fencing.  The fence doesn't extend so far that you can't work your way around it.  What to do, what to do?  I suspect this is a show to protect the Park from liability issues from inexperienced hikers who get in over their heads.  I know the trail and terrain very well.  The burn has removed much of the ground cover and I could be spotted from a long distance.  I see a couple of volunteer rangers working about 1/4 mile away, I turn around.  

The trails that are open are simply flat and lame.  I encounter a nice family of 5, visiting from Louisiana.  They ask if this is the best Park in the area and I say, no, and give them several, better options

Finish with 4 miles.  Back on the bike for a couple of rides and then leading a group to the Narrows, in the Superstitions.

A truck transporting a saguaro.  This is not an unusual sighting and interesting how they could an arm to it would not detach from the main body.  So, I've got a flooring project going but can't do that all day so out each day for a short hike including....

....driving Catalina Highway, passing Hairpin/Soldier Canyon where I'm leading a hike in two weeks, then hiking up Soldier Trail.  I was looking to find the top of the canyon.  I noticed a faint trail coming fin from my left so jumped on that and soon....

....how bout that!?!  I found myself following a faint but cairned trail that bordered the canyon far below.  I wonder if this continues for the length of the canyon???

Some interesting rock formations but exited the canyon on the right....

....regained the faint trail and then onto Soldier Trail.  Will come back and complete that rim trail to see if it goes to the end of the canyon which I think is likely.  Then, of course, can I drop into the canyon and hike down canyon to the road? On Monday, still working on the floor project I.....

....needed a midmorning break and headed to the Tortilitas where I picked up the Lower Javelina Trail.  The sun rises and illuminates two saguaros.

I've not previously hiked this loop but it was a decent, albeit short hike of 3 miles.  OK, back to the floor while waiting for kickoff of my mighty Buckeyes later today.

I've organized a group hike to visit Robber's Roost, high in the Superstitions.  While I have visited the Roost several times, only once via the route I have planned and that was 4 years ago.  So, thought I better hike in so I don't get the gang lost.  I hate when that happens:). Quite a story to read at the entrance to the trail at the Lost Goldmine East trail head. It's a nice cool morning as I begin my hike at 10:30am.

I get on the Wave Cave trail and then break from it onto the Carney Springs trail which is unsigned.  The views all around are wonderful.  Ugh, Carney Springs is.....

....rocky and.....

....steep.  I've been on my bike twice and hiked once in the last 3 days and kind of feeling it on the climb.  

A great fake-out.  Yes, I eventually reach the above saddle from where.....

....the views are magnificent but.....

....I still have another climb about as difficult.  Each climb averages over 30%.  I refer to these as "knee bucklers". 

Looking back, I can see the trail break over the saddle and wind its way toward me.

At last, I reach the Superstition Ridgeline and see Superstition Peak in the distance.  That too is a great hike starting from the Hieroglyphics Trail. There is a beat up sign post here with a barely discernible etching.  Now the route....

....moderates as I swing right and begin following a trail that winds to another saddle.  The route finding is moderate I guess as I have to stop a few times and figure out how to go.  I brought a gps track but don't look at it as I enjoy the challenge.

The final slope from where at the top....

....the giant bunny stares at me, open mouthed.  My group will have the opportunity to climb in and have their pic taken.  The route now is rolling as I look for a side canyon.  Unfortunately, someone has swept away almost all of the cairns, which I think is a selfish act.

I start down one canyon, realize I made a mistake, retreat and one canyon over begin the descent.

Yes, somewhere in that jumble of boulders is the entrance to the Roost.  After poking around and despite having done this a few times, it took awhile but at last....

....I gain access.  Very cool place.  Evidence that it was discovered....

.....long ago can be found on the walls.  At one end of the room is an opening to a....

....lower level where I see someone dropped a hiking pole.  There is a sling fastened around a boulder but I don't have rope and would not try it solo if I did.  I don't spend much time in the Roost, scramble out and regain the route.  In the distance....

....I see a shelf and hike over, which affords great views of Peralta Canyon.  I run into a hiker who is doing my route but in the reverse direction.  He said he was going to try to find the Roost but had no route info so I thought, "Good luck with that."

I continue my hike which has grand views of the volcanic plug, Weaver's Needle.  Got a little off track but eventually found Peralta Trail and followed it for 2 miles until just a couple hundred yards from the parking lot, my attention is drawn to the cliffs above where I see....

....5 bighorn sheep.  An unusual find.  Of course, Peralta is a heavily trafficked trail so they are used to humans and simply stare at me.  Finished with a bit under 8 miles and 2400' of climbing.  I'm good to go with the group later this month.

Our group of 11 departs from the Cam-Boh Picnic parking lot PROMPTLY at the designated time of 9am, lol.  It's a pet peeve of mine that other hiking groups  give as much as 30+ minutes leeway, penalizing those who make the effort to arrive on time...crazy.  The first mile of this route is kind of boring, walking on flat, sandy ground but soon....

....we reach a ravine and begin an entertaining route through a boulder field.  Not an official trail but enough cairns that the route is not too difficult to follow.

We are headed to a saddle, still a bit distant above but the gang....

....continues to climb and we are encouraged to see....

.....our destination come into view.  Eventually.....

....we reach a saddle and regroup.  After a brief regroup we make a left and begin a more modest ascent.

In the distance, the more well known "Sombrero Peak" as Barry leads a contingent of our group with others just behind.

Check out the above view to the south.  All the mountain ranges in the distance...love it!

The group gathers at the peak where we refuel, talk a bit.....

.....enjoy the great views while.....

....hiking friend Lorna scrambles to a prominent point to pose.  Of course, any climb is followed by.....

...a down climb as Amy demonstrates one of the many challenges.  We finish with 5 miles and 1400' of climbing.  Good group as always.

This is not a drive I would like to take again.  Originating in Silver City, St. Rt. 15 is the "windiest" road I have followed. It's only 34 miles to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument but it took us about 90 minutes to arrive.  Interestingly, the "Tour of Gila" bike race occurs on this and other roads. The main circuit is 72 miles with a robust 6000' of climbing. May have to come here in warmer weather and do that ride.

An unusual type of cactus.  We stopped at a couple of overlooks where....

....Jack could exit the SUV for some exercise. As we close on our destination....

....the mountains grow taller, almost hitting 11,000', capped by Mogolon Baldy.  We arrive and do a warm up hike that includes....

....hiking along a trail that has flooded due to beaver activity.  A guy came along and carried his dog while maintaining a good balance on the log.  Later, as we came back....

....Amy came through demonstrating almost as good balance but the poles sure helped which I too used.  Putting Jack in the vehicle we....

....walked across a bridge, climbed some and reached....

....the cliff dwellings.  These date back to 400AD and housed several families.  

It was awesome how close we were allowed which included a climb....

....into the interior.  Of course, a climb in required....

....a climb out as I demonstrate something less than able form.  A trail routes us back to the parking lot but...

...via a loop that allowed us to look at the valley we had hiked a portion of, earlier.  Finished with 4 miles.

And we're off to Silver City, NM for a few days of fun in a small village just north, Pinos Altos.  We stay in.....

....a two story cabin that includes.....

,,,,a stove fireplace!  The cabin came with plenty of wood so I made good use of that.  At night....

....each of the 12 cabins were decorated with Christmas lights.  The next day, we drove to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and did some hiking there.  More to come.

Our group of 6 arrive at the top of Sarasota Road to begin a 5 mile hike. We begin our hike and soon hear....

....a group of mountain bikers behind.  Just as they overtake us, one o them has to dismount.....kind of embarrassing for him as the trail wasn't that difficult right there.  We continued our hike, climbed to Bobcat Ridge and then....

....began a decent to a saddle between Bobcat and Little Cat Mountain.  I managed to pick up the off trail route and soon....

....we began a very steep hike toward the peak.  The group was in good spirits as we closed on the peak and once there.....

....enjoyed many good views of our surroundings.

We walked along a ridge and stopped for a snack....

....while taking plenty of pics.

After our break, we begin our descent, moderate at first before a steeper section that averages a 40% grade.  Had to be really careful there as plenty of loose rocks.

Back at the parking lot, we took a final look at the summit and congratulated each other as we all had made it to the peak.  Finished with 5.1 miles and 1350' of climbing on this awesome, sunny day with temps in the mid 60's.

An epic hike but with an uninspiring opening act.  We park at the end of First Water Road, the last few miles being dirt.  Our group of four, Amy, Barry Neil and me get going on time, departing via the Dutchman Trail.  Soon, the Dutchman breaks to the right and we get on the Second Water Trail which leads us through "Garden Valley".  Alas, this once beautiful section of pleasant hiking has been scorched. 

We descend toward Second Spring and then into Boulder Canyon.  The trail is very rocky and rough.  Over the length of our hike, this walking on let's say, very uneven, sharp pointed cobblestones, really takes a toll.  At this point, the hiking has been flat to rolling and our legs and joints are still fresh.

However, prior to our descent, we did get our first look at the mighty Battleship Mountain, which I have outlined.  One of our group failed to see the similarity but she may simply lack some imagination, ha, ha.

A saguaro has fallen over the trail.  I imagine getting hit by one of those could be fatal.  

Walking through Second Spring is refreshing with multiple pools of water, mature trees and cooling shade.  But then we drop into....

....Boulder Canyon.  Aptly named requiring no imagination to see why.  Following a trail, we cross it several times while paralleling the mountain.  At last, the fun begins as we climb to.....

....the ship's "waterline".  We take our first break as we ditch extra water and are passed by a group who.....

....climb the ship's stern.  What you see above is the easier part of the wall.  Beneath it an almost vertical section but with a good gripping surface.  I go up first and with little coaching....

....so too does Amy and Barry.  Neil was comfortable just to hang out at the base, which is not unusual for first time visitors.  We group at the top and....

....admire the views, including a look into Lower La Barge Box Canyon.  That too is an amazing destination and one we will visit soon.  Entering the narrow canyon, walls soar several hundred feet above.  Next though we....

....look toward our destination, the peak of Battleship. Looking closer then it is, it's still 3/4 mile away and the way forward is a series of route finding challenges coupled with more walls and other obstacles.  Just great fun.

I've visited this mountain probably 6-8 times and am normally the only person or group there but today, wow, probably 20-30 other people as we take turns navigating another climb.  Then we reach....

...Fat Man's Pass!  It's a tight fit but there is a workaround to the right and left.

We enjoy the views to the south that include Weaver's Needle in the distance and the boundary of La Barge Canyon on the left.  Geronimo Head looms over us off image, to our left.  And then.....

....we encounter the spine.  This narrow piece of rock has death to the right of us and certain broken bones to our left.  It is steep enough that butt hiking is the method most choose for the down climb, while not looking much farther than what is directly in front.  Up until a few years ago, there was a small barrel cactus growing from the center in a concave area.  That made things a little more difficult.

Our threesome met one final wall, probably the most difficult of them all.  The advantage of having long arms and legs is huge for this so Amy was able to climb but Barry could not.  I probably should have descended and given him a boost up but did not favor the idea of climbing down and up again as I barely made it the first time.  Now, down to two, we....

....went clockwise to the back of the mountain via Ballbearing Slope, climbed some more and.....

....yeehaw!  In the distance, Canyon Lake.  There is a good sized marina there, restaurant and close to the touristy town of Tortilla Flats.

A layer of smog hangs over Phoenix.  Mindful that we had left two of our group behind, we did not linger.  Navigating some of the obstacles on the return, we then picked up Barry, made it to the first wall.....

....which we all successfully descended but....no Neil to be found.  We weren't too much concerned as assumed he had tired of waiting and there was enough traffic on the trail that he'd probably be ok.  Climbing out of Bouldert Canyon, we caught a group and hey!  There was Neil so all back together.  

OK, the return was somewhat more painful than normal for most of us.  My feet hurt from stomping on all the sharp edged rocks, Neil's legs were fatigued, Amy's joints hurt although Barry still seemed in good condition.  All I know is, climbing a slope and seeing the parking lot, I screamed with relief:). It was a long day as we ended the 12 mile hike and....

....arrived in Oro Valley as the sun was setting.

Summer's heat kept me out of the Superstitions so I was anxious to return despite having made the 90+ minute drive just last week for a hike. I wanted a longer hike and to explore a part of the Supes not previously visited. I planned to follow the Dutchman, Whiskey Springs, Red Tanks, back onto Dutchman and then Bluff Springs trail for the return. The loop  would go around Miner's Needle, about 13 miles.

Hindsight being what it is, I should have had a gps route to follow but assumed all trail junctions would be signed.  I followed the Dutchman for 2.8 miles, at first unaffected by this summer's fire, which burned 194,000 acres.  Soon though....

....I walked into an extended area where the trail had been enough of a fire break that the fire had not crossed to the other side.  But soon.....

....ugh.  Saguaros lost forever, thousands of them.  Many had already toppled and lay in the surrounding area.  These had been standing for 100+ years but no more.

With the ground cover removed, it completely changes the views and so rock formations tend to draw more of my attention. Above, the top of the spire appears to be the head of a lizard or snake.

At about mile 1, a 4 mile, moderate climb begins during which Miner's Needle comes into view and is eventually passed.  Above left is an arch or the eye of the needle.  On a certain day of the year, at a certain time, sun pours through the eye, illuminated a spot on the canyon slope where gold has been buried.  A myth almost certainly but many have tried to locate the treasure. That is a fun climb to get as high up as one can go.  I continue the climb and....

....hey, there's Weaver's Needle, my destination of last week.  Higher I go, looking for the junction with the Whiskey Springs trail and the views....

....stupendous.  I am soon rewarded with.....

....signage indicating I should hang a right. Reaching a ridge....

....I see a ravine in the distance where Whiskey Springs is located. I begin a descent but rather then enter that ravine, the trail breaks to the left and enters a......

....brushy wash, it too undamaged by the fire.  

I emerge from the wash and see Upper LaBarge Box to my right.  This area is new to me but the Red Tanks Trail comes through the notch and intersects with Whiskey Springs.  I was to make a left at this junction but alas, there was no trail sign.  I had a map, stood and studied it when I heard a noise and looking, there is a hiker going up a hill I had just descended.  I yelled, "Hello".  Thus began a strange conversation.  He had been sitting on a boulder taking a break as I passed but said nothing to me.  It seemed his knowledge of the area was good but as he was giving me advice about a left at the next junction followed by a right there....... I decided to turn around.  I knew had I continued I would eventually emerge from this wash at LaBarge Springs and onto the Dutchman Trail but I was 6.5 miles into the hike and some of these trails that snake through washes can be a route finding challenge and slow.  Better to not risk it today and again, stupid of me not to have a gps route to follow.

Retracing my route at mile 9, I reach the base of Miner's Needle.  Just can't pass that and not do the climb.  It's a straightforward climb to a ridge on the right and then make for the notch on the right where.....

....you encounter a very steep "wall" but with good hand and foot holds so I scramble up and.....

....actually, the notch is as close as you can get to the Needle and there are spires that go higher but.....

....it's worth the climb for what one can see.  Beyond I can see the Dutchman Trail winding its way down canyon.  It's getting late and I have miles to go so I don't take a break here.  The descent is kind of sketchy but I regain the trail and continue.

Check out the above rock formation.  Unremarkable save for the arch in the middle.  Look closely and you'll see a fair sized saguaro growing from the middle of the arch. That gives some scale for the size of the formation.  Soon, I pass....

....another formation.  Note the leaning portion.  That will topple at some point as erosion will do its work.  We received about 1/4" of rain a couple of days ago and I noted there were some pockets of water as I hiked.  I had not sat down since beginning my hike so at mile 12, I had to take a break and let my feet take a breather.  I chose to take the break prior to the final climb out of the canyon.  I was going to hit the climb as fast as I could and maybe catch a Strava KOM. Unfortunately, my app did not restart once I got going and not data was collected for my effort...damn it!  I finished with just under 14 miles and 2500' of climbing.  Only saw 2 hikers which is fine but I like running into a few more as it is fun to exchange information.

I volunteered to guide a 15 person, "Tucson Hiking Meetup" group to climb to the peak of Big Cat Mountain.  Actually the group was set at 10 but there were so many on the waitlist I suggested to hike organizer, Lorna, that we allow 15.  All participants arrived and arrived on time!  How bout that?  As we filed out of the parking lot onto the trail, I looked back and wondered if we would also all make it to the peak.

The first 2.1 miles is a gently rolling hike on established trails.  I usually walk by the point where one leaves the trail and have to backtrack but not today.  Found it on the first try! We began the fairly steep hike, averaging 26% grade.  The route is marked by cairns but since it is easy to get off track, I paused to regroup whenever a sizable gap developed in our ranks.

Approaching a deep rock band, from a distance it's hard to imagine how we would climb through but a natural staircase appears and we continue up.

The sun is very low in the sky as I catch it beyond a saguaro.

Reaching a saddle, we regroup and take a short break.  In the distance, a false summit with several more to come.  The views, as always....

....awesome!

Soon after renewing our trek, we confront a bit of a wall but....

....there are enough hand and footholds that all make it through.  There is some exposure here so I was glad we were all able to continue.

The Catalinas in the distance.  We hiked a sometimes narrow ridge with daunting....

....drops to the valley floor.

Looking back, the gang continues to make good progress.

Wow, a great view of downtown Tucson on this day of sun and highs in the mid 60's.

We got spread out on the final sections of the ascent so as I waited, Amy usurped the guide and made it to the peak, first. lol.  That is a poorly disguised police transmitter on the left.

Soon, more of the group arrives as we parallel Ajo Highway in the distance.

We take a well deserved break while admiring the 360 views.

After awhile, we begin the descent.

Once again, all make it through that tricky wall feature.  We finish in good spirits with 5.5 miles and 1800' of climbing.

Ahhhh, the Superstitions, home to many great destinations; Flat Iron, Lower Labarge Box Canyon, Geronimo Head, Superstition Peak, Robber's Roost, etc... Now that the temps have finally moderated, it's a worthwhile drive from Oro Valley to revisit a favorite, Weaver's Needle Crosscut.

It's a steepish climb from the Peralta trailhead via the Bluff Springs Trail. Awesome views quickly clear the horizon as I climb 500+' in 0.6 miles. At that point, I gain....

....awesome views into the interior of the Supes.  The lack of a monsoon, coupled with ongoing drought has.....

....left the landscape looking rather dry and brown.  But at least this view has vegetation because as I descend into a canyon, evidence of.....

.....this summer's fire, abound.  A ranger told me there have been several bighorn sheep sightings as they have lost much of their ground cover.  He was hiking near a ravine that still had thick vegetation and heard the growl of a large cat.  Probably a mountain lion feeding on something, issuing a warning.

Eventually, I drop into this canyon floor where often, water is found trickling through it.  Not today of course but I was surprised to find a small pocket of water and imagined it is visited frequently during the night by all the critters.  Soon after exiting this lovely spot, I.....

....encounter more stark examples of the burn.  The trail rises to a ridge then falls again and looking.....

....back, quite the moonscape appearance.  At least the trails are in good shape and easy to follow, so far.  

I reach the Terrapin Trail and hang a left here, departing from the Bluff Springs Trail.  I see a man with a backpack and dog fairly close off trail but they are upwind on a very windy day so I decide not to shout something.  I encountered no one else on the entirety of my hike, until later, when reaching Fremont Saddle.

I knew the Crosscut Trail began about 3.1 miles into my hike so made sure not to miss the left branching and pretty obvious, unsigned trail.  I climb to a ridge and descend into Needle Canyon.  During this hike, I paid a lot more attention to the slopes above me just in case I could spot a four legged animal.  I saw none but did see.....

....the above rock formation.  To me it appeared to be a standing lion.  Later, I was told in fact it is known as the "Standing Lion" rock formation.  The walk through Needle Canyon was a bit eerie.  On past visits, it is a beautiful area but today, just so stark and strange.

I am headed toward the saddle in the distance, to the left of an emerging, Weaver's Needle.  This being my 4th time doing this hike, I relied on memory to see me through but I should have done some research because I ended up.....

.....one rock formation too far to the south and had no view of the Needle, once I was adjacent to it.  I poked around in here and it appeared I could circle around on the right but decided to keep going.  I descended into a boulder strewn ravine where....

....it was a refreshing sight to find an unburned area.  I encountered a "Y" intersection that I had not previously noticed on past visits.  I began to descend the right arm but the trail became faint and I decided the left arm was the usual route. It was as I regained the intersection and began a very fun descent through the boulders.

A good view of East Boulder Canyon with an obvious point of demarcation between a burned and unburned section of a ravine.  I was kind of relieved to see this because it made access to the Peralta Trail (seen upper part of the image) a whole bunch easier.  Looking back....

....I had navigated through the above.  The route is not always obvious so a couple of times I had to stop and evaluate the route options.

Reaching the Peralta Trail, I hung a left and began the gradual ascent toward Fremont Saddle.  The views to the northwest are awesome but even more so.....

....from the saddle, the view of Weaver's Needle.  It appears the "lone pine tree" to the right of the Needle survived the fire.  That is good news as it is kind of iconic and a great destination.

From the saddle I still have a little over 2 miles to go.  Reaching the parking lot, I finish with 8.1 miles and 2100' of climbing.  The moderate temps have opened up many hiking options so trying to decide what to choose next.

Our group gathers and begin our hike at 9am.  Many of the local hike leaders stopped organizing hikes so there is a vacuum.  I decided to organize hikes once a week to give people the opportunity to participate in fun hikes.  Kind of giving back I suppose. Today's hike went to the top of Bren Mountain, shown above.  We shove off from the David Yetman Trail off Gates Pass Road.

The temperature is kind of chilly, about 55 degrees as we work our way clockwise around the mountain.  Approaching a saddle, we get a good view of the Catalinas.

After hiking 1.6 miles on an unmade social trail, I spot a couple of cairns indicating this is where we go off trail and begin our ascent to the peak.  Yes, I appear to be confused but not really.

As we climb higher, the views, as always, are wonderful.  I lose the route a time or two as we climb a ridge toward the peak but am able to relocate it.

Barely visible are some of my fellow hikers as we continue to admire the panorama view.

In the distance, I finally see our destination but before reaching it, we have to....

....descend before climbing to the peak.  At the peak, of course.....

....all take plenty of pics.  A friend asked about the elevation of our hikes.  Oro Valley is at 2600' and nearby Tucson is 2500.  Some of the peaks around us sky to almost 10,000' but today's destination was a more pedestrian 3000'.  

In the distance are some of the 10,000footers. We completed our loop with 5 miles and 1200' of climbing.  Everyone finished safely.

It was a recovery day so I joined a slow moving, frequent break taking group of 12 people at Sabino Canyon.  For me, it is important that I have realistic expectations so I don't become frustrated with the slow moving, frequent break taking events.  So, I mostly had a good time!

A road runner stopped our group.  It eventually headed right and we were able to continue.  We were on the Esperero Trail and reached a minor climb....

....the came to an overlook that revealed nice views of the canyon.

We got into a wash and eventually recrossed Sabino Canyon Road, eventually reaching the dam.  But....

....despite the drought, there was still some water flowing, feeding a few pools where the small fish were plentiful.  finished with 4 miles.

Put up the Christmas tree but on the patio so the mostly spiritless people living around me can enjoy it too.  Very few Christmas decorations around me for some reason.

I got reinvigorated to ride so ramped up to 51 miles last week but paused at a golf course. People were looking for a golf ball and I found it from the seat of my bike.  Then, the woman who had lost the ball....

...dropped it and prepared to hit another shot.  Not real good form there but she and companions were having a good time.

There was a huge but kind of squat saguaro.

Amy and I went southwest and included Picture Rocks Road on another 50 miler, finishing with 2000' of climbing.  Kind of cool at 68 degrees.

For the name of the road I'd expect the scenery to be better but kind of bland.

Ended the week with about 140 miles.  Not a bunch but way more than normal.

A short, 2.5 mile below the Catalinas on Wednesday where I encountered...

....a small saguaro that had fallen across the trail.  Ending the hike I....

...this across the parking lot.  Yikes!  The temperatures have finally returned to normal with daytime highs in the low 70's so finally able to....

...get a fire going.  How bout that!  Yes, I use it to burn cardboard and yes, that's my fav cereal. Also a Louisville Slugger bat on the right that I swing like a golf club to keep my seriously atrophied golf muscles loose.  The bat was signed by the great shortstop, Ozzie Smith.  On Thanksgiving morning I.....

.....got in a 52 mile bike ride.  Rode 42 miles two days ago so cranking up the cycling but with the cooler temps, it opens up lots of opportunities for hiking and so I shall.

We arrive at Sanctuary Cove, an 80 acre preserve that borders Saguaro West National Park. Tracy, recently admitted to a SAR team, carries the same pack she would if on a search mission.  It's rather heavy.  We pause so everyone can get a look at the labyrinth then we take the preserve's main trail, ascend a steep slope and enter the Park.

Only now, at a ridge, do we get a look at Panther Peak, there in the distance.  Panther and its sister peak, Sombrero, are prominent features to the southwest of Oro Valley.

We then descend a steep slope that is kind of treacherous with lots of loose gravel and rocks.  No trail to follow, just head to the west of the White Stallion dude ranch where there is a fence and along it, a trail.  I think the trail was put in by the ranch so guests can hike or ride it on horses.

Another look at our destination.  Doesn't look like much but it's a good hike with a fun ascent of a ravine.

How about that?  A horseshoe.  I know to look for a cairn after about 1.6 miles from the parking lot and sure enough....

....find it.  Now we turn toward the peak and begin following a series of well placed cairns.

The climb is gradual until it isn't.  Then it becomes quite steep with fun bouldering up the final section.  Two of our group are struggling and take a couple of breaks, which is fine.  I was in my guide mode but I made a fluid mistake.  I consider the distance, temperature and climbing and decide how many bottles to take so 2 for today's 5.5 mile hike.  What I sometimes fail to do is consider the added time when leading a group who hike at a slower pace. At the last minute, I had added a 1/2 bottle to my pack.

We gain on the saddle to the left of Panther and have enjoyed some hiking in the shade but the sun was gaining on us.  Now we are in the steepest section.  I'm leading the way when I'm told.....

....the two who had been struggling have decided to stop, for good.  Since the hike is an out/back they urged us to continue and they sit and wait.  Tracy, Amy and I continue and soon....

....reach the aforementioned saddle.  Great views to the south and west.  Each of us felt a little guilty about leaving the other two behind.  Knowing the next 1/2 mile to the peak was relatively easy to follow, I suggested they continue since they were first timers. I've visited the peak about 3 times so I would descend to the other two hikers, get them headed back and count on Tracy and Amy to overtake us before we reached the off trail ascent. to the first ridge we encountered coming out of the parking lot.

I spend a few minutes, gawking and taking pictures.  Once the ladies disappeared from view, I descended.  The following images were taken by Amy....

....as I am somewhere in the above image, watching them.

Reaching the peak, they look back and can see Sombrero in the foreground, the Catalinas in the background.  Meantime, I'm escorting my two hikers, taking an occasional break before reaching the end of the official trail and deciding to wait for Amy & Tracy to overtake.  We sit on some comfortable boulders and wait and wait.  Hmmmmm I'm running low on water and really glad I had that extra 1/2 bottle.

The gals take their last picture, of a distant copper mine and head back.  Where we are sitting, a slight ridge prevents us from seeing much more than a couple hundred yards.  We begin to worry but both have gps devices to follow, both are experienced hikers so what could go wrong?  Well, a fall or a snake bite but we'd know that when a helicopter came swooping in.  Finally, we could see them approaching, let out a few whistles, regrouped, ascended the steep slope and returned to the parking lot.

Above is our route, 5.5 miles and 1900' of climbing, well for two of our group.  I had something a bit less but it was still a lot of fun.

Reaching the top of Gates Pass, I descend the curving road, distracted by the views to the west, then turn into a small parking lot.  Surprised mine is the only car there.  My hike today is short at only 2.5 miles round trip but has a good, off trail climb to the top of Golden Gate Mountain.

My hike begins at David Yetman trail. I ascend to a saddle and am greeted....

....with this early morning view.  Little Cat and behind it, Big Cat Mountains, in the distance.  I begin a descent while watching for a.....

....cairn that marks where to begin the ascent of the mountain.

The peak is not visible until you reach the low point in the above ridge.  

As always, the higher I go, the better the views.  I reach the aforementioned ridge, go counterclockwise around it and reach....

....a saddle and at last can see.....

....the peak.  Throughout the off trail portion of this hike, cairns are plentiful and enough people have followed them that a well worn trail is visible in most places.  Be careful when ascending the above.  It is very rocky and balance is required as you hop across boulders.  The visual reward....

.....is.....

....well worth the effort.  Peering over the side opposite of the side you arrive....

....there is a shooting range below.  No action today but I have been up here once before when it was very active.  Ha, ha, we all stayed away from that side for concern over ricochets.  

Bobcat Ridge in the distance with Little Cat and Big Cat mountains.  The sprawling Tucson Estates on the right.

I begin my descent and can see the Yetman trail winding its way through the valley.  While only a 2.5 mile hike, I gained a good 1500'.

Jumping Cholla.  I keep a healthy distance from these plants.  However, while helping a friend look for a lost golf ball, I emerged from the thicket, felt something on my back, reached back (big mistake) and brought my hand back with a clump of Cholla attached to it.  Fortunately, someone had tweezers and I removed 5 spines from a finger.