Group Hike to Krein Peak

A good day for an easier hike as my legs need a break from cycling.  Group hike options are few these days but I spotted one with "Hiking Tucson" that would be a distance of 5 miles with not much climbing....perfect.  I drove to the Sarasota trail head in the Tucson Mountains, southwest of Oro Valley so about a 40 minute drive.

The hedgehogs are blooming as is most of the plant life in the Sonoran Desert.  Our group had a couple of mini consultations as we tried to figure out how to access a social trail that would take us to the peak.  My trail expertise is kind of limited in these mountains so I wasn't able to offer much help.  Eventually, we got it figured out and.....

….reached the trail and began the climb.  Upon reaching the peak.....

...the always awesome 360 views are part of the reward.

Looking to the east are the Catalina Mountains, including Mount Lemmon.  Been a couple of weeks since I rode up that so plan to in the next few days.  The Cookie Cabin and General Store in Summerhaven are open on weekends so that is the time to ride.

The climb spread the group over a broad range but all made it to the peak so they too soaked in the views, sun and warmth.  By the time the last of the group arrived, I was ready to go so politely excused myself and....

...began the solo hike down to complete a loop.  In the distance, Kitt Peak.  Wish they would open the climb to cyclists.  A friend told me that on Strava, which has record of the activity among Strava users, I was the last person to ride up. The barbed wire fence at the bottom would discourage access, ha, ha.

The red flowers on this plant were abundant in the area as I finished the 4.6 mile hike.  Well, back to the bike but also a hike coming soon.