What’s not to like about the Finger Rock trailhead at the end of Alvernon Way? Quite literally at Tucson’s backdoor, this trailhead offers convenient access to one of the more spectacular portions of the “Front Range” of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Pontatoc Canyon left, Pontatoc Ridge right

In addition to the popular Finger Rock Trail, two other trails originate here: the Pontatoc Trail and the Pontatoc Ridge Trail. These two trails are not nearly as strenuous as the Finger Rock Trail, but both offer great hiking. Pontatoc Canyon and Pontatoc Ridge are named for the nearby Pontatoc Mine, which was first worked way back in 1907.

The Pontatoc Ridge Trail is appealing for its sweeping views of nearly the entire Tucson valley. It ascends a prominent rocky ridge, abruptly ending just below some abandoned mine shafts bored into a huge rock cliff. Take care up here; the area where the trail ends is ringed with big cliffs, and the scramble to the mine shafts above is steep and loose. The Ridge Trail does gain some altitude, but on my last trip here we barely noticed the steeper sections of the trail, there was so much to look at and enjoy.

Peering into Pontatoc Canyon from the Ridge Trail

The Pontatoc Trail has a distinctly different character, as it tends to remain within the confines of Pontatoc Canyon. Though this trail sometimes snakes along the canyon bottom, it spends much more time traversing hillsides above the canyon in order to avoid a rocky gorge below. It is more than a mile longer than the Ridge Trail, and the steep sections are distinctly more demanding. I really enjoy the terrain and scenery in the upper reaches; in spite of the relatively short distance from the road, this area feels pleasantly wild and remote.

High up in Pontatoc Canyon

Alternatively, you may prefer an easy, yet scenic outing; the first 0.8 miles of the trail has little altitude gain, but you’ll enjoy spectacular views of craggy ridgelines high above as you wander through a lush Sonoran environment.

To reach the trailhead, drive to the very northern end of Alvernon Way. You can’t follow Alvernon all the way from Tucson as there is a big gap north of River Road. Pick up the final northern spur of Alvernon Way by turning north off Skyline Drive; the trailhead parking lot at the end of Alvernon is obvious and well marked.

The two Pontatoc Trails and the Finger Rock Trail all share the same trail head; the Pontatoc Trails split off right just a few hundred feet from the trail head. After about 0.8 miles you will reach another trail junction; the Pontatoc Trail stays left, while the Pontatoc Ridge Trail swings right and begins its climb to the spine of the big ridge above.

Season: Fall, winter and spring. This hike can be very hot, especially in the summer.

Water: Seasonal pools appear in Pontatoc Canyon; bring plenty of your own.

Note: Dogs are not permitted on these trails.

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, though walking just the first mile makes for a much easier hike. The Pontatoc Canyon Trail is about 3.5 miles one way, with a 2,200 foot elevation gain. The Pontatoc Ridge Trail is easier; about 2.4 miles one way, with a 1,850 foot elevation gain. Walking just the first 0.8 miles of trail yields a pleasant and scenic outing, with only a 300 foot elevation gain.

Maps: Rainbow Expeditions Santa Catalina Mountains, Green Trails Maps Santa Catalina Mountains, or National Geographic Arizona digital map software.

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Arizona peak baggers can be forgiven if they sometimes overlook Agua Caliente Hill. Bagging a “hill” doesn’t sound quite right, and Agua Caliente does look a little insignificant when viewed from many places in the Tucson valley. Located on the far east side of the Tucson valley, Agua Caliente Hill is the high point sandwiched between the much higher Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains.

Hill or peak? Agua Caliente Hill, east of Tucson

Forest Service Trail #46 provides a convenient and scenic route to the top of Agua Caliente Hill, though after reaching the summit, I guarantee you will question the use of the term “hill” in Agua Caliente’s name.

This is a good hike. It starts on the desert floor and ends on a summit covered with grasses and dotted with oak and juniper trees. The trail tends to favor ridge lines as it climbs towards the peak, treating walkers to pleasant and always changing vistas.

Sonoran landscapes down low

Once on top, there is a lot to stare at, including unusual views of the Rincon and Catalina Mountains, as well as a look east across the San Pedro Valley to the Galiuro Mountains and distant Mount Graham. However, many hikers will choose to forego the climb to the summit, and instead enjoy a shorter outing on the very scenic lower stretches of the trail.

Grasses, oaks and junipers up high

To reach the trailhead, follow Tanque Verde Road to the Tucson valley’s far east side and turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, and then about a mile later turn right (east) onto Fort Lowell Road. When Fort Lowell crosses Wentworth road, its name changes to Camino Ancho. Continue on Camino Ancho, and turn left on Camino Remuda, following it for about 0.3 mi before turning left (north) again. Watch for the Forest Service parking lot on the right (east) side of the road about 0.2 mile later. The trail leaves the north end of the parking lot and is marked with a sign: “AGUA CALIENTE HILL TR. #46”.

After about 2.6 miles, the trail reaches a high saddle, and a trail junction with Forest Road #4445 which drops north into Agua Caliente Canyon. At the junction take the east fork and continue the climb towards the Agua Caliente summit, some 1.8 miles away.

Season: Fall, winter and spring. This hike can be hot, especially in the summer.

Water: None; bring plenty of your own.

Difficulty: Somewhat strenuous. The trail is about 4.5 miles one way. It climbs from around 2,970 feet at the trailhead to 5,369 feet at the summit, for a 2,400 foot total elevation gain.

Maps: USGS Agua Caliente Hill AZ, or National Geographic Arizona digital map software.

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Cruising along I-19 from Tucson towards Nogales, I often risk becoming distracted and taking my attention off the important task of driving safely along the interstate. The problem is not a preoccupation with the car stereo, jabbering away on a cell phone or texting messages.

Nope, the issue along this stretch of highway is Elephant Head, a massive granite peak that sweeps majestically skyward at the western end of the Santa Rita Mountains. Elephant Head is hard not to look at! And, the climb to its summit makes for a classic southern Arizona outing.

Elephant Head from the mouth of Chino Canyon

Two routes are described here to Elephant Head; one from the mouth of Chino Canyon and a shorter route starting in Agua Caliente Canyon. The trailheads for both of these hikes are on dirt roads.

The drive to the Chino Canyon trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle; though with four wheel drive, one might be able to drive further than this description suggests, depending upon current conditions of the rough road snaking up Chino Canyon. On my last trip there, we took a look at the first four wheel drive obstacle and decided to park and walk the full distance.

Reaching the Agua Caliente trailhead is easier; medium clearance vehicles should not have problems.

Elephant Head summit ridge

The two hiking routes join at the head of Chino Basin, and then follow a decaying road bed that once served the abandoned Quantrell Mine, high up in Chino Canyon. Roughly a mile short of the mine, an unmaintained hiker’s route to Elephant Head leaves the road and plunges steeply into upper Chino Canyon and then climbs to the broad saddle east of the peak. From the saddle, it is a short walk to the beginning of the rocky summit ridge with its 2^nd and sometimes 3^rd class terrain. The summit ridge drops dramatically away on both sides, but one can usually avoid undue exposure during the scramble to the summit. Once on top, Elephant Head rewards hikers with its famed “Elephant Shrine”, and sweeping views across southern Arizona.

The “Elephant Shrine”; with Baboquivari Peak in the distance.

From Chino Canyon: The Chino Canyon hike is about 5.8 miles one way with a 2,200 foot elevation gain to reach the summit, and a 400 foot gain on the return hike for a total 2,600 foot climb. To reach the trailhead (31.74189 N, 110.95335 W, WGS84), leave I-19 at Exit 56, Canoa Road, and turn south on the frontage road on the east side of the interstate. After 3 miles, turn left (east) on Elephant Head Road and drive for 1.6 miles turning left (north) onto Canoa Drive. Drive 2.1 miles, then turn right (east) on Hawk Drive and follow this road till it ends near a sign that says “Elephant Bike Trail 4”. Behind this sign, follow a dirt road for 0.8 miles where you bear right; 0.8 miles later bear left through a gate. About 0.4 miles later watch for a Carsonite post marked “4073” where you turn right. A short distance later the dirt road crosses Madera Canyon wash; we parked short of the wash and began our walk, continuing along the dirt road into Chino Canyon. Following the jeep road up Chino Canyon, walk high up into Chino Basin where the road finally swings north, traversing a steep mountainside. Look for a rock cairn (31.71369 N, 110.93517 W, WGS84) on the side of the road, which marks the beginning of the hiker’s route taking off downhill towards Elephant Head.

From Agua Caliente Canyon: This hike is about 3 miles one way, with a 1,600 foot elevation gain to reach the peak, and the same 400 foot gain on the return walk for a total 2,000 foot climb. Drive I-19, exiting at Canoa Road (Exit 56), then turn south on the frontage road on the east side of the interstate. After 3 miles, turn left (east) on Elephant Head Road and drive for about 1.5 miles before turning right onto Mount Hopkins Road. 5.5 miles later watch for a dirt road (Forest Service Road 183) which turns left into Agua Caliente Canyon. About 2.5 miles up FS 183, watch for a Carsonite sign on the left side of the road, “TRAIL 930”, marking the trailhead (31.69549 N, 110.929 W, WGS84). After walking Trail 930 for about a mile you will run into the Chino Canyon road described above. Turn right (north) on the old mining road and walk to the rock cairn (31.71369 N, 110.93517 W, WGS84), marking the start of the hiker’s route to Elephant Head.

On the hiker’s route

Season: Fall, winter and spring. This hike can be hot, especially in the summer.

Water: Seasonal water in upper Chino Canyon; bring plenty of your own.

Difficulty: Advanced. Moderately strenuous. The hiker’s route described here is not a constructed trail, but it is pretty well beat in. One does need to be somewhat attentive and watch for numerous rock cairns marking the way. The summit ridge involves non-technical 2^nd class and occasionally 3^rd class rock scrambling. Exposure can generally be avoided on the summit ridge; if you find yourself making an exposed move, you are probably off route.

Maps: USGS Mt Hopkins AZ, Green Trails Santa Rita Mountains, or National Geographic Arizona digital map software. (The Green Trails map shows the hiker’s route.)

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The Little Rincon Mountains lay just east the Rincon Mountains, separated from their much larger sibling by Ash Creek and Happy Valley. These “little” mountains offer a wonderfully scenic hike up a rugged, unnamed canyon, through a maze of spectacular granite rock formations, to a perched valley called Hidden Pasture. Hidden Pasture is tucked between North Star Peak and the range’s high point, Forest Hill.

This hike is considerably more challenging than the vital statistics would suggest, with a one way distance of about 3.5 miles and an elevation gain of 900 feet to Hidden Pasture. Though a trail has been constructed to Hidden Pasture, it has been a very, very long time since it has been regularly maintained, and it has fallen into a state of disrepair. For the first mile or so, the trial is relatively easy to follow, but higher up it is quite challenging to stay the course in the many sections where it has become obscured by washouts and brush.

Challenging as it is, the old trail offers a better route to Hidden Pasture than one finds bushwhacking through several sections of the canyon, which present a series of obstacles including waterfalls, pour-offs, huge boulders, cliff barriers, brush, cat-claw and the like.

This cannot be considered a trail hike. It is definitely a wilderness route and as such requires cross-country navigation skills and good judgment. Take care!

The wild granite canyon is quite beautiful, and the oak studded, grassy bottom of Hidden Pasture is a contrast to the rocky terrain leading up to it. Once at Hidden Pasture, you might decide to bushwhack the additional mile to the top of Forest Hill adding another 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Nice views of Rincon Peak, the San Pedro River valley, the Dragoons, and Paige Canyon are ample rewards for this effort.

Hidden Pasture and North Star Peak

Park your car in a small circular pullout on the east side of Mescal Road (32.08924 N, 110.45779 W, WGS84), about 10 miles north of Exit 297 on I-10. Pick up the trail due east of the parking circle, about 20 or 30 yards uphill from the bottom of Ash Creek. Turn north on the trail, which soon swings to the northeast above a canyon heading towards Hidden Pasture. Early on, the trail passes through a gate (32.09125 N, 110.45779 W, WGS84), giving confirmation that you are on the route. At about 2.5 miles, the trail climbs high above the canyon on the right (southeast) side to avoid a few waterfalls and huge jumbled boulders in the canyon bottom. The trail passes through another gate near the beginning of this climb (32.11126 N, 110.43573 W, WGS84). After climbing steeply for a while above the gate, the trail turns and wends its way to Hidden Pasture past several large weathered rock formations.

Season: Fall, winter and spring. This hike can be hot, especially in the summer.

Water: Seasonal and intermittent. Bring plenty of your own

Difficulty: Advanced. 3.5 miles one way with 900 feet of elevation gain to Hidden Pasture; 4.5 miles one way with 2,100 foot elevation gain to Forest Hill. Moderately strenuous. Route finding is challenging; map, compass and/or GPS are very useful. Brushy, so long pants are recommended. The trail described here is faint and difficult to follow in many places, so consider this a wilderness route rather than a trail walk. Negotiating boulder piles, cliffs and waterfalls along the route demands care and good judgment.

Maps: USGS Galleta Flats West, AZ (Route to Hidden Pasture) and USGS Happy Valley, AZ (Forest Hill); Green Trails Recreation Map - Saguaro National Park; or National Geographic Arizona digital map software.

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It is popular, sometimes even crowded, but that’s only because it is so good.

The Blackett’s Ridge Trail packs a great punch: it is imminently accessible, as scenic as they come, short enough that you don’t have to plan your entire day around it, and challenging enough to provide a very rewarding workout. Blackett’s Ridge is simply one of the best hikes in southern Arizona.

Blackett’s Ridge is framed by Bear Canyon on right and Sabino Canyon on left

It is about a 3 mile one-way walk, with a 1,700 foot elevation gain to the end of the trail, so we’ll call this a moderately strenuous hike. However, a section near the middle of the walk is steep, with many switchbacks needed to climb over a 1,000 feet in under a mile. Whew!

Walking the ridge top

Traversing the ridge top is like walking the deck of a giant ocean liner. You’ll feel like you are floating high above Sabino and Bear Canyons, and the Tucson valley. The view north past Thimble Peak and Sabino Basin towards Mount Lemmon is outstanding.

Trail’s end with Thimble Peak in distance

Park your car at the entrance of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, a short drive from midtown Tucson. This is a fee area. At the east end of the parking lot, follow a wide dirt path east until it joins a paved road. Continue east on the paved road as it swings into the bottom of Sabino Creek and a road junction where a sign will guide you right toward Bear Canyon. Just after crossing Sabino Creek, watch for the trailhead marked by a sign, “Phoneline Tr. #27”. After a few steps off the pavement, bear sharply north on the Phoneline Trail which climbs towards the toe of Blackett’s Ridge. A little more than a half mile later, watch for another trial marker “Blackett’s Ridge Tr. #48” where you turn east and leave the Phoneline Trail. Blackett’s Ridge Trail dead ends at the top of some cliffs about a mile and a half later.

Season: Fall, winter and spring. This hike faces south and can be very hot, especially in the summer. (The hike does receive quite a bit of traffic in the summer months; a very early start and plenty of water are recommended.)

Water: None. Bring plenty of your own.

Difficulty: Moderate; 3 miles one way with 1,700 feet of elevation gain.

Maps: USGS Sabino Canyon, AZ ; Green Trails Santa Catalina Mountains; or National Geographic Arizona digital map software.

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