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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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West Fork Trail #24
At the end of Sabino Canyon Trail #23, if you choose to
continue deeper into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, you have a choice
to proceed
one of three different ways. One of those choices is
to follow Sabino Canyon farther upstream in the direction of Romero
Pass and the West
Fork. Along this route, you’ll be able to enjoy more of the
desert oasis supported by the water that flows above and below ground
in the
Sabino Basin. After the trail drops down to the creekbed
from the Sabino Canyon/West Fork trails junction, it wanders close
to the creek for
a considerable distance. There are several perennial
pools here and a healthy community of riparian vegetation, as well
as excellent views
of Sabino Canyon. Trail conditions are good in the basin
and the trail is easy to follow, but creek crossings can be hard
to negotiate when
the water is high.
After crossing Sabino Creek for the last time, the trail
begins climbing gradually up West Fork Canyon. The trail
stays with this smaller canyon for a considerable distance before
it climbs out of the
canyon for the last time. It then traverses and switchbacks
its way toward Romero Pass and a junction with the Cathedral Rock
Trail #26. Cathedral
Rock Trail provides a connecting route to a number of
other Pusch Ridge Wilderness trails, but it is hard to follow and
not recommended for inexperienced
hikers and equestrians.
Attractions:
Access to upper Sabino Basin
Streamside trail
Watchable wildlife
Good views of Sabino Basin
Arizona Trail segment
Season: All year
Length: 6.8 miles
Elevation: 4,300'-6,100'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Lemmon
Access: This trail can be accessed from Sabino Canyon
Trail #23, 2.5 miles in from the trailhead; from
the Bear Canyon Trail #29,
10.3 miles in; from the Romero Trail #8, 5.6 miles
in; from the Mt. Lemmon Trail #5, 5.8 miles in; and from
the Box Camp Trail #22, 7.1 miles in.
Notes:
This trail is entirely 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.
The canyon riparian areas that make this
trail such a pleasant place to visit
have been damaged by thoughtlessness
and
overuse. Please
take special care when you visit these
fragile areas.
Water can be found in Sabino Creek year-round
and in West Fork during the wettest
months of the year only.
Purification of water
is recommended prior to use.
When hiking or horseback riding 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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