Mount Lemmon Pools Hike

Our hike begins at the Marshall Gulch trail head, at an elevation of about 7500', high up Mount Lemmon.  The start temp is 53 degrees as we climb 1.4 miles to Marshall Gulch saddle.  We don't pause for long as the wind was rather high so....

....jump on the Wilderness of Rock Trail and begin a descent.  You might wonder how the trail got its name?  Well.....

....the name is apt.

Our descent takes us into a valley having enormous ponderosa pines.  I'm keeping track of our distance because I know to look for an off trail segment at mile 3.6 and sure enough....

....find it.  We climb a very steep section and break out onto.....

....an amazing expanse of boulders and slick rock.  I wasn't consulting a gps track as I thought I could find the entrance to the pools based on past visits and....

....found it.  It is a beautiful location with rock sculpted by rushing water.  I climbed a ways above the pool on the far bank just as....

...with very little coaxing, Diane dove in and did a quick lap.  Our group erupted with cheers.  Soon, Andrew and Rex did the same.  The pool being fed by snow melt was really cold.

There are several levels above the main pool and some of us enjoyed doing some exploring.

Wouldn't want to be in the area when the above giant falls.  We geared up and began the climb from the pool.  We recrossed the broad area of slick rock and boulders before descending to....

....Lemmon Creek.  Yet another beautiful place.  Soon we were back on the official trail.

We crossed into and out of burn areas as we made our way....

....to the parking area, again going off trail at times to take in some great views.  Strong wind had taken dust aloft so the views weren't quite as good as usual.

Small pine trees destroyed by the fire.  Finishing with 8.4 miles and almost 2000' of climbing, we put our gear away and then enjoyed watermelon supplied by Dee and Rex with John providing beer and Diane throwing in an abundance of drinks.  After a hot hike I enjoy a cold beer but today was not that day.  Instead, I shared a watermelon flavored vodka drink with Amy.  Good time with good people.