Sombrero Peak Hike

A fun weekend of hiking and cycling with the Amster.  After taking the pic of Bill at the start of his 250th trip up Mount Wrightson, Amy and I headed to Roger's Rock, a first for her.  She challenged me to do a handstand but I declined and then she showed me how it is done.  That will take a looottta practice for me to do.  Then a 30 mile ride on Saturday and.....

....then we headed to Sanctuary Cove to hike to the top of Sombrero Peak, also known as Safford Peak.  This too was Amy's first visit and I always enjoy taking first timers on hikes to a variety of destinations so off we go.

A first climb brings us to a short rolling section where we find a very nice hiking stick.  Later, we encounter a couple who did not make it to the peak but told us they lost a hiking stick.  We assured them the stick was just a ways down trail.

It was rather windy today and as each of us attempted to pose, it was hard to stand upright.

After another steep climb, we hike along a quality grove of saguaros.  The peak....

....comes closer.  Actually, I put this image out of order as it should have been placed sooner in the order but who will notice???

The views are grand of the surrounding Tucson Mountains.  After the 2nd significant climb, we go clockwise around the mountain until reaching....

.....the final climb.  A hiking pole will only get in the way so we stash it and excess weight and begin the fun climb up where we.....

....encounter the rock bridge that is much narrower than shown and a fall would be injurious so Amy scoots across the bridge which has decent exposure. Soon thereafter we....

....make it to the peak where there is ample space to roam around, sign the register in a ammo box and grab a snack and drink before heading back down.  The distance of our hike is only 3.5 miles and 1600' of climbing but very fun.