Heritage Highlands Sample Hike Schedule Heritage Highlands Hikers   Monday November 3                           Pusch Peak via Linda Vista (Santa Catalina Mtns)                                        Level: A+, 5 miles, 2,660 ft Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585                                                                                                                  Depart: 8:00                                             Est. time of return: 3:00pm This is a very demanding hike. The trail is rugged and very steep. Extra caution and gloves are required. The rewards are a great workout in a short time, and tremendous views of Tucson. It may be windy and cold on top- bring extra layers. Bring at least 3 liters of water, power bars, and a light lunch. $2 per person carpool fee (25 miles). Wednesday, November 5 Linda Vista, Orientation                                                                                         Level: D, 2.8 miles, 400ft Hike Leader: George Hammond 579-3296                                                                                      Depart: 8:00am                                                       Est. time of return: 11:30am Participation in an orientation hike is required by all new hikers and experienced hikers who are hiking for the first time with Heritage Highlands Hikers. Linda Vista Trail is ideal to expose the new hiker to trail conditions they’ll experience while hiking on the desert level trails while gaining 400ft in elevation. The hike leader will also provide information about hiking with the group. Orientation hikes are not limited to just new hikers, anyone can sign up for these easy level hikes. Bring a half-liter of water. $2 per person carpool fee. (25 miles) Wednesday November 5 Pontatoc Ridge Trail                                                                                                 Level: B, 5.2 miles, 1,300ft Hike Leader: Dennis Davidson 744-9506                                                                                                          Depart: 8:00am                                      Est. time of return: 2:30pm This hike takes us into Pontatoc Canyon on the front range of the Catalina Mtns. where we’ll connect to the ridge trail leading to an old mine site. We’ll cover some interesting terrain and vistas while gaining 1 ,300ft along this 2.6 mile one way trek. The trailhead is just off Sunrise, so we’ll be able to get a good workout without taking all day. Bring water and lunch. $4 per person carpool fee (40 miles). Monday November 10                         Romero Pools (Santa Catalina Mtns)                                                                                                                Level: B-, 5.6 miles, 900ft Hike Leader: Frank Price 579-8013                                                                                                                     Depart: 8:00am                                      Est. time of return: 3:00pm Romero Canyon Trail is one of the most popular and scenic trails that will take us into the inner canyons of the Catalina Mts. With only 900ft gain over the 2.8 miles to the turnaround point at what’s known as Romero Pools, it is not that difficult. The vistas along the way make this one not to miss. This hike would be a great first B level trek for some members. The trailhead is in the Catalina State Park, which has a $6.00 entrance fee; Golden Age Passport doesn’t help. Bring at least 1 liter water and lunch. $2 per person carpool fee (24 miles). Monday November 10                         Mt. Wrightson, aka Old Baldy (Santa Rita Mtns)                                                                                       Level: A+, 9.5 miles, 4,053ft Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585                                                                                         Depart: 7:00am                                        Est. time of return: 5:00pm This will be a direct ascent of Mount Wrightson using the Old Baldy Trail both ways. Some hikers might want to shorten the trek by stopping at Baldy Saddle and waiting for the rest of the group to continue 600ft more to the peak. The 9,543 ft Old Baldy is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita’s. It might still get cool as you gain elevation so be prepared. Bring plenty of water, power bars and lunch. Golden Age Passport or fee required in Madera Canyon. $10 per person carpool fee (110 miles). Tuesday, November 11                       Hidden Canyon Trail                                                                                                                                                Level: D, 2.2 miles, 400ft. Hike Leader: George Hammond 579-3296                                                                                                      Depart: 8:00am                                      Est. time of return: noon This is a new trail, constructed last November in Tucson Mt. Park near the Starr Pass resort. The trailhead is just off the Service Road for the resort. After fifty yards the trail drops into a small valley where you’ll loose site of the resort and city; it’s as if we’re hundreds of miles into the desert with all its spectacular vistas. The trail easily gains elevation using gentle switchbacks with unspoiled views. Upon reaching the high point we’ll be met by legions of saguaros to accompany us during the return on this pristine loop trail. This hike will be limited to sixteen hikers, four cars, due to limited parking at trailhead. Bring water, a good snack and a camera. $4 per person carpool fee (48 miles). If there’s enough interest, we can have lunch at El Minuto Café after the hike. Wednesday November 12 Rogers Rock (Santa Rita Mtns)                                                                              Level B-, 4.3 miles, 1,100 ft Hike Leader: Dewey Fitch 579-5337                                                                                                                    Depart: 8:00am                                       Est. time of return: 3:00pm We will start the hike in Madera Canyon at the Baldy/Super-trail Trail Heads. We will hike up the Super-trail and then branch over to the Bog Spring/Ken Spring Trail. Then we hike out to a ledge that is not on any trail maps, but the Green Valley Hikers affectionately call it Rogers Rock. We will have lunch on a nice overlook. After lunch we will return via the Super-trail. Weather permitting. Golden Age Passport or fee required in Madera Canyon plus $10 per person carpool fee (110 miles). Thursday November 13                      Upper&Lower Javelina Loop Trails (Tortolita Mts.)                                                                                  Level: B-, 7.4 miles, 1200ft Hike Leader: Dennis Davidson 744-9506                                                                                                          Depart: 8:00am                                      Est. time of return: Noon We begin at the Wild Burro Trailhead just past the Gallery Clubhouse and go 1.4 miles up the wash where the Lower Javelina trail begins. We hike this moderate 2-mile loop part way up both sides of Wild Burro Canyon. Then we return by hiking all of the Upper Javelina Trail to Dove Mtn Blvd, and walk along the road to the begin point. You will get great views of the new hotel site, Marana, golf courses, and the desert. Bring 1.5 liters of water and snacks. No carpool fee. Saturday, November 15                      Hutch's Pool via Tram Road & Phoneline Trail                                Level: A, 16 miles, 566ft (12.2 miles with tram for return) Hike Leader: Darrell Steed 784-3690                                                                                                                 Depart Time: 7:00am                                       Est. Time of Return: 6:00pm This is a new twist on getting to and from a great location. We will walk up the Tram Road to stop #9 then hike up a set of short but steep switchbacks to the junction of the Phoneline & West Fork of the Sabino trails. We leave civilization behind as we venture deep into the canyons of the Catalina Mountains. You'll have the real feeling of being in the wilderness with one of a kind views of Sabino Creek far below our trail. We'll decend into the boulder field of Sabino Basin and cross the creek bed toward our ultimate goal of Hutch's Pool where we will enjoy a well earned lunch. On our way back those wishing to do so may take the tram back from stop #9 or enjoy more of the views as we descend Phoneline Trail back to our starting point. Bring AT LEAST 3 Liters of water and a hearty lunch for this all day adventure. There is a parking fee at Sabino Canyon so bring your Golden Age Passport or parking fee required plus a $5 per person carpool fee (50 miles).   Monday November 17                           Petroglyph Photo Hike- Catalina foothills (Sutherland wash)                     Level C, 6 miles, 300 ft Hike Leader: Frank Price 579-8013                                                                                                                     Depart: 9:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm If you are interested in exploring and finding ancient Indian petroglyphs, this is the hike for you. We will hike into the Sutherland wash on 4-wheel roads and trails to this historic yet little visited area. Once there, we go off trail and search among the many rock field sites for the photo shot you want to send back home. Note this not the Sutherland trail in the Tucsons but the Catalinas. Bring at least 1 liter of water, snacks and lunch. Long pants are optional. $4 per person carpool fee (45 miles (est.)). If we get enough 4 wheel drive cars we can shorten the walk!! Monday November 17                           Wild Burro Ridge Circle (Tortolita Mtns)                                                      Level: A-, 11.4 miles, 1,900ft Hike Leader: Barb Farr 572-7174                                                                                                                          Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm We will hike the Upper Javelina, Wild Mustang, and Alamo Springs trails (clockwise) in our neighboring Wild Burro Canyon. Most ascents are gradual, making this a great hike to begin getting into hiking shape. This will be a medium paced hike, with stops as needed. No carpool fee. Wednesday, November 19 Linda Vista Trail, “Clockwise”                                                                            Level: D+, 2.8 miles, 400ft Hike Leader: George Hammond 579-3296                                                        Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 11:30am For those of you who may be a bit tired of Linda Vista, this hike is for you. The length and elevation is the same but the view is quite different. We’ll gain the 400 feet in a shorter distant then descend via the main Linda Vista Trail to a spur connection to complete the 2.8-mile length. We have never led this tail in this direction because of the steeper ascent, but that’s what will make it a “new hike”. Better vistas and more exhilarating. Bring a little more water and some trail snacks. $2 per person carpool fee (25 miles). Wednesday November 19 Romero Pools (Santa Catalina Mtns)                                                                   Level: B-, 5.6 miles, 900ft Hike Leader: Dewey Fitch 579-5337                                                                  Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm Romero Canyon Trail is one of the most popular and scenic trails that will take us into the inner canyons of the Catalina Mts. With only 900ft gain over the 2.8 miles to the turnaround point at what’s known as Romero Pools, it is not that difficult. The vistas along the way make this one not to miss. This hike would be a great first B level trek for some members. The trailhead is in the Catalina State Park, which has a $6.00 entrance fee; Golden Age Passport doesn’t help. Bring at least 1 liter water and lunch. $2 per person carpool fee (24 miles). Wednesday November 19 Sanctuary Cove to Safford Ridge                                                                          Level: C-, 4 miles, 500ft Hike Leader: Frank Price 579-8013                                                                                                                     Depart: 9:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm This will be a fun adventure that begins at the little known Sanctuary Cove and follows their meditation trail past a small chapel (donations appreciated) up to a short spur taking us to a small plateau. From here we’ll take a well defined horse trails to the base of Safford Peak and on to a point somewhere along the ridge to Panther Peak. Here we’ll rest and take in the vistas of the Tucson Basin and Dove Mountain. Bring snacks, lunch and a camera. At the request of the Cove caretaker, there will be a limit of twelve hikers. $4 per person carpool fee (45 miles (est.)). Thursday November 20                        Cardiac Gap (Santa Catalina Mtns)                                                                                                                 Level: B, 7.2 miles, 1,650ft Hike Leader: Barb Farr 572-7174                                                                                                                          Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm Esperero is Spanish for ‘hopeful’; so hopefully you’ll enjoy hiking Esperero Trail through Rattlesnake and Bird canyons then up a series of steep switchbacks to a saddle affectionately named Cardiac Gap. Along the 2.6 mile one way trek we’ll gain 1,650 ft. The saddle will be our turnaround spot and worth every step. We’ll have lunch while viewing one of the prettiest basins in the entire Catalinas. Bring 2 lts of water, snacks, and a lunch. There is a parking fee at Sabino Canyon so bring your Golden Age Passport. Also, $5 per person carpool fee (50 miles). Monday November 24                           Blackett’s Ridge (Sabino Canyon)                                                                   Level: B, 5.8 miles, 1,700ft Hike Leader: Frank Price 579-8013                                                                                                                     Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm You will be rewarded with one of the finest overlooks in all of Tucson. The trail starts at the Sabino Canyon Visitor’s Center, has a moderate climb for the first mile. Then it gets steeper. We will take breathers. We will have lunch and a good rest at the top. Golden Age Passport or fee required, plus a $5 per person carpool fee (50 miles). Monday November 24                           Oracle Ridge Trail to Rice Peak                                                                       Level: A+, 10 miles, 3,200ft Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585                                                                 Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 5:00pm We start near the town of Oracle and hike the Cody Trail, named for Buffalo Bill Cody whose historic homestead we will pass by. We join up with the Oracle Ridge Trail. For a portion of our hike, we will be on the Arizona Trail. There are great views of the San Pedro River Valley, and some unusual rocks along the trail. Our destination is Rice Peak, the highest point in Pima County. Reaching out from the peak you can almost touch Mt. Lemmon. We can see the skiers on the slope (if there is any snow). This is a strenuous hike. You can count on burning a bunch of calories. Bring energy snacks, lunch, and a 2-3 liters of water. There is a $6 per person carpool fee (65 miles). Tuesday, November 25                         Canyon Loop Trail, Orientation                                                                                                                        Level D, 3.3 miles 150ft Hike Leader: George Hammond 579-3296                                                        Depart: 8:00am                  Est. time of return: noon This is a neat loop trail in nearby Catalina State Park with a gentle gain to the high point with a grand view of Oro Valley. We’ll also take a spur trail to take in the view of Montrose Pools. This is an orientation hike, but it’s also a great hike to work up your Thanksgiving appetite or to bring houseguest along for this short hike to show off the area. There is an entrance fee at the park, which should be shared by the carpoolers in addition to the $2 carpool fee (25 miles). Bring water and trail snacks. Friday November 28                               Upper Javelina/Wild Mustang Trails (Tortolita Mtns)                                 Level: B, 9 miles, 1,500ft Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585                                                                 Depart: 8:00am                     Est. time of return: 3:00pm Work off your Thanksgiving dinner. We will hike at a medium pace, with rest stops suitable for people who ate too much. The hike begins at the Wild Burro Trailhead just past the Gallery Clubhouse and goes 1.4 miles up the wash. We pick up the Upper Javelina Trail, and then continue on the Wild Mustang trail to the top of a ridge with a very nice rock field. We will have lunch and then return, taking the South end of the Upper Javelina Trail. Bring at least 2 liters of water, snacks, and a lunch. No carpool fee.