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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Wilderness of Rock Trail #44
The name of this trail certainly does catch the attention
of anyone scanning a trail map or thumbing through a
guide book. The “Wilderness
of Rock” is extremely popular and with good reason. Picturesque
rock formations and a diversity of settings that range
from sub-alpine to high desert to riparian zone attract so many people
that this area
is being loved to the point of overuse by backpackers
and day hikers as well. Trampling of the area is so heavy in some
places that the
trail has become difficult to follow and hikers have
become lost.
As you move through this natural sculpture gallery and
see the art works of wind and water from a number of
different perspectives, you’ll be amazed at the variety of shapes they can assume. Long
distance views are good in this area too. They include
Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Basin and Pusch Ridge. Lemmon Creek, near the Marshall
Saddle, is a popular
destination on this trail. If you camp here, remember to
practice sound wilderness ethics and camp at least 200 feet from the
water.
Another attraction of this trail is that it can be accessed
from a number of different connecting trails. It is
possible to plan a hike here that includes any of several other major
features
of the
Santa Catalinas. The possibilities are actually too
numerous to list on this page, but the most popular access routes
into this
area include
the Marshall Gulch #3, Aspen #93, Romero #8 and the
West Fork #24 trails.
Attractions:
Spectacular natural sculptures
Great long distance views
Access to other trails
Several loop possibilities
Arizona Trail segment
Season: Summer, fall
Length: 4 miles
Elevation: 7,000'-8,000'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Lemmon
Access: Major access to this area is via the Marshall
Gulch Trail #3 in the Marshall Gulch
Picnic Area through Summerhaven on top
of Mt. Lemmon. Other access is available
via the Mt. Lemmon Trail #5, Lemmon Rock Lookout
Trail #12 and the Romero Trail #8 from Catalina State
Park north of Tucson.
Notes:
This trail is entirely 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.
The only reliable source of water
along this trail is Lemmon
Creek. 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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