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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Lemmon Rock Trail #12
This trail extends from a trailhead just below Mt. Lemmon’s summit
and the Wilderness of Rock deep within that picturesque area of the Pusch
Ridge Wilderness. It is a very steep trail, earning its “most difficult” rating
by dropping 2,000 feet in a short two miles. The views
are worth it, though, especially since the most expansive of them can
be seen from
a rocky overlook at the top of Lemmon Rock at the end of
a short spur off the main trail. From this overlook, which also serves
as the location
for a historic Forest Service lookout cabin, you can see
much of southeastern Arizona. Closer at hand, the views are just as
impressive. Rappel Rock,
the saw-toothed edge of Pusch Ridge and the upper reaches
of Sabino Canyon are some of the features that make up the panorama.
The point at which the spur to the lookout and the main
trail part company is plainly marked. From this junction, the Lemmon
Rock Trail
drops steeply through a shady stand of ponderosa pines.
At various points, the tree canopy opens to provide views of the
spectacular rock formations
which form the upper limit of the Wilderness of Rock.
Included are close-up views of Rappel Rock and the Ravens. The trail
becomes eroded and rocky
as it nears its junction with the Wilderness of Rock
Trail #44 at Lemmon Creek, which offers the only dependable water
along this route.
Attractions:
Marvelous views
Accessible overlook
Challenging trail
Access to Wilderness of Rock
Season: Spring, summer, fall
Length: 2 miles
Elevation: 7,500'-9,000'
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Lemmon
Access: Take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road
in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest
boundary and continue 28 miles, past Mt. Lemmon Ski
Valley, to the power substation on Radio Ridge. Hike west on the
trail
to a dirt road. Hike down the road to the trail junction.
The Catalina Highway is paved and suitable
for passenger cars. Observatory Road
is an all-weather gravelled
road. Both roads may be snow-covered
in winter, when
chains or 4-wheel drive may be required. Observatory Road
beyond Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is not maintained
for public use during the
winter. It is closed
when
snow-covered or icy.
Notes:
This trail is very steep and rocky, and in places hard
to find. It is not recommended for novices.
1.9 miles of this trail are within 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.
Water can be found at Lemmon Creek year-round. Purification
of water is recommended prior to use.
When hiking in remote areas, go with a companion
whenever possible. Always tell someone where you’ve gone and when you expect
to return.
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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