Pima Canyon

April 23, 2021 hike: Pima Canyon to the peak above Pima Saddle. This is my traditional last hike of the season.

It was a beautiful day with temps in the high 70s and low 80s, brilliant sunshine with a few clouds later in the day to provide photographic interest and occasional breezes to help keep things comfortable.

What a difference a season makes! The fire damage is much less noticeable due to new growth and a new carpet of wildflowers, grasses and new plants. Many of the damaged trees look refreshed from new growth and some of the tree regrowth from beneath the soil is already 6 feet high.

The trail still remains a major challenge at the top due to erosion and poor trail marking. There is a lot of loose debris covering the steep slopes near the summit, making it very difficult to find the trail and making footing somewhat hazardous. I have a new collection of new scratches from one tumble - just part of a good hike!

Photo 1 looks up the canyon from the rocky frontside start of the trail. I'm not a big fan of this section of the trail, although it affords a good view of the city.

Photo 2 is just inside the canyon looking at the west wall. Lots of lower desert vegetation and especially saguaros in this area.

Photo 3 is maybe a third up the canyon, looking up at the entrance to the upper canyon. Most hikers stop at an open area at the creek (not running) near here.

Photo 4 is near the top, looking up the gap to Pima Canyon Saddle. This is very steep rugged territory and the forested section between the two rock faces is where the trail becomes very difficult to follow and footing is a challenge.

Photo 5 shows the magnificent view down Pima Canyon from the top. I had my lunch there, with swallows sailing about me and a large flock of crows or ravens entertaining me with their soaring.

Photo 6 shows the very impressive craggy mountain face on the east wall about half way down.

Photo 7 shows a dramatic point in the east face wall half way down. The center mountain looks a bit like a face to me. I can't decide whether it is a face mask or a lion face.

Photo 8 shows the east face wall near the bottom of the canyon in the later afternoon sun. Lots of territory for rock face climbers in this canyon! I'm definitely not one of them!

Photo 9 shows another rock point on the east wall near the entrance to the canyon in the late afternoon sun.

The rest of the photos show the wonderful selection of wildflowers on display. You might notice the red cactus flower with the rock canyon below - I think this might be a 100 foot or deeper shear-sided section of the canyon.

All-in-all, a great hike to end the season. I look forward to the next one!

Hike stats: about 13.5 miles and 3,550 feet of vertical to a peak of 6,470 feet in 7 hours.