Weather: 63ยบ, sunny
About this Hike: Last July we did an impromptu weekend Tucson trip. It was not so different from what we've done this year over Memorial Weekend. After exploring a lower-elevation trail on Mt. Lemmon, we drove to the summit at Ski Valley. We explored a trail on the side of the mountain that went thru a burn-scarred area. As daylight was running out, we discovered Aspen Draw and knew we'd come back.
Aspen Draw is about three miles steep out-and-back thru dense forest. We opted to park at Ski Valley again and hike down then back up, although this can be done with the ascent first by parking near Iron Door Restaurant.
At the bottom of Aspen Draw, we did a brief jaunt on the road, and then joined the Red Ridge Trail. Red Ridge is largely burned-out area as well, with one thick grove of relatively young recovered aspens. It was a steep descent, and we didn't go far before turning back on the not-so-scenic trail.
I had hoped to start down Mt. Lemmon Control Road (the unpaved back road) and explore Oracle Ridge as well, but my hiking partner had had enough for the day. While not long by miles, Aspen Draw is very steep and a definite workout.
Temps were chilly at the summit, and it was a great day to get out of low-desert heat. The crowds on Mt. Lemmon were surprisingly light for a holiday weekend and parking was never an issue. I only wish Phoenix had an easily accessible respite like Mt. Lemmon.
About this Hike: Last July we did an impromptu weekend Tucson trip. It was not so different from what we've done this year over Memorial Weekend. After exploring a lower-elevation trail on Mt. Lemmon, we drove to the summit at Ski Valley. We explored a trail on the side of the mountain that went thru a burn-scarred area. As daylight was running out, we discovered Aspen Draw and knew we'd come back.
Aspen Draw is about three miles steep out-and-back thru dense forest. We opted to park at Ski Valley again and hike down then back up, although this can be done with the ascent first by parking near Iron Door Restaurant.
At the bottom of Aspen Draw, we did a brief jaunt on the road, and then joined the Red Ridge Trail. Red Ridge is largely burned-out area as well, with one thick grove of relatively young recovered aspens. It was a steep descent, and we didn't go far before turning back on the not-so-scenic trail.
I had hoped to start down Mt. Lemmon Control Road (the unpaved back road) and explore Oracle Ridge as well, but my hiking partner had had enough for the day. While not long by miles, Aspen Draw is very steep and a definite workout.
Temps were chilly at the summit, and it was a great day to get out of low-desert heat. The crowds on Mt. Lemmon were surprisingly light for a holiday weekend and parking was never an issue. I only wish Phoenix had an easily accessible respite like Mt. Lemmon.
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