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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Esperero Trail #25
There are a number of reasons to visit this trail. Because
it’s easy, however, is not one of them. Many hikers start out
along this trail that includes several miles of hard climbing because
it leads to “The Window”, a 15 by 25 foot hole in a fin-like
ridge that extends out from Window Peak on Pusch Ridge.
For those who get all the way to the top, this notable creation of
gravity and frost
frames an unforgettable view of Tucson and the mountains
and valleys beyond. For those who choose to stop at points of interest
which can
be reached with less effort, there are plenty of rewards
as well.
Esperero Canyon Trail starts at the Cactus Picnic Area
in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area or just opposite Sabino Canyon
Shuttle
Stop #1, where Rattlesnake Canyon joins Sabino Canyon.
If you come on any except the hottest days of summer, you’ll be surprised at the
amount of wildlife there is to see in the desert. From its starting point,
the trail passes through stands of outrageously shaped saguaro cactus
as it climbs up and over a low ridge into Bird Canyon. This serves as
a warm-up for the lung-busting scramble up a particularly rocky section
of the trail that takes you up and over a second ridge and finally drops
you into Esperero Canyon. The trail then dodges its way up-canyon into
Geronimo Meadow, crossing the creek on several occasions. Water can be
found along this stretch during the wettest times of the year and sometimes
at Mormon Springs, but don’t count on it!
Above Geronimo Meadow, the trail climbs steeply up and
out of the canyon to the ridge near Window Peak, and
finally to the Window
itself. Take care when you get there. There is a sheer
drop of over a hundred feet just outside that window.
Attractions:
Desert canyon
Access to top of Pusch Ridge
Spectacular views
Watchable wildlife
Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 10.1 miles
Elevation: 2,700'-7,400'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon
Access: From Tanque Verde Road in Tucson turn north on
Sabino Canyon Road and follow it 4 miles
to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Visitor Center.
From the Visitor Center you can either follow the paved road or a
foot
trail to the Cactus Picnic Area and the Esperero
Canyon Trailhead
.
Notes:
9 miles of the trail are in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment,
including mountain bikes, are not permitted
in Wilderness. See the Wilderness section of
this guide for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
Don’t camp on private land in Bird Canyon.
This trail is long and steep, not a good one for summer
hiking.
No dogs allowed.
Before using this trail, call the Santa Catalina
Ranger District for current trail conditions
which can vary
with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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