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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Pima Canyon Trail #62
Though the stream in Pima Canyon is dry for most of the year,
it supports an excellent example of a desert riparian habitat located
conveniently close to the Tucson metropolitan area. Unfortunately,
that accessibility has resulted in significant overuse of this beautiful
and fragile area, especially during the winter, its season of highest
use. From the trailhead, located among suburban ranchos, the trail
ascends a V-shaped notch carved along the south face of Pusch Ridge.
Views down the canyon get better as you climb, encompassing the city
of Tucson as well as distant mountains and valleys.
The riparian area on the floor of the canyon provides excellent
birdwatching for a wide variety of resident and migratory
species that make use of this most productive of all desert habitat
types. Other desert
creatures you may encounter in this area include javelina
and jackrabbits, but the real viewing prize of Pima Canyon and the
entire Pusch Ridge
area are the desert bighorn sheep that maintain a surefooted
existence here among rocky crags and rugged canyons.
Beyond Pima Spring, the trail becomes steeper and harder
to follow as it continues to climb to the upper slopes
of Mt. Kimball. Incentives for persevering here are
good views of Window Rock and Cathedral
Rock. Trail #62 ends at its junction with the Finger
Rock Trail #42.
Attractions:
Riparian forest
Canyon hike
Craggy peaks
Watchable wildlife
Tucson views
Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 8.6 miles
Elevation: 2,900'-7,255'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Tucson North, Oro Valley
Access: Drive north from Tucson on the Oracle Road
(US 89). Turn east on Magee Road
and drive to the parking area and trailhead at
road’s end.
Notes:
7.6 miles of the trail are within
the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Motorized and mechanized vehicles
and equipment, including mountain
bikes, are not permitted
in
Wilderness. See the Wilderness section of this guide for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Upper reaches of this trail
are hard to find.
Water can be found in this
canyon only during the
wettest times of the year. Purification of
water is recommended prior
to use.
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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