Mount Lemmon, Wilderness of Rocks, and Aspen Trails Loop

This hike begins in the town of Summerhaven in Mount Lemmon, Tuscon AZ. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. Any car can access this trail-head easily. Once you reach Summerhaven, drive up Carter Canyon Rd. Park at the end of the road. Do not enter any private driveways please! The trail-head sign is normally hard to find because it is small and brown but I h...

Starting out at San Pedro Vista Trailhead, located just off the shoulder of the Catalina Highway, this trail follows along the ridgeline, drops to a small saddle, and terminates at a gorgeous vista: Leopold Point. There is only 1 sign that you will come across that actually designates it as Incinerator Ridge which is halfway through your hike, but don't let that deter you. Keep on keeping on al...

Hitchcock Pinnacle on Mount Lemmon may be the most recognizable landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains due to its prominence over Catalina Highway and Windy Point. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. The most common route is the direct route on the North Face aka...

The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required)  The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. Cal...

To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). The next 1.7 miles ar...

Molino Basin Campground is the only campground of the Catalina District of the Forest Service to be open year round due to its lower elevation at only 4500'. Its position along the Mount Lemmon Highway makes Molino Basin a perfect basecamp for further adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Arizona Trail passes right through the Basin along Molino Creek which flows strongly in the S...