March 5, 2021 hike: Sabino loop - Bear Canyon past Seven Falls to East Fork to Sabino Canyon Trail to Phoneline.
Best weather yet although the heat is beginning to have some impact on long hikes like the Sabino loop. It was in the high 70s to low 80s with full sunshine and some wind in the high spots but most of the day the wind was light. Definitely sunscreen weather! Finally there was a modicum of water in the creeks and Seven Falls, although they were still running well below normal.
This loop is reasonably easy with only moderate climbing and altitudes but the trail is extremely long, so it is still quite a good workout.
Photo 1 looks up Bear Canyon from fairly close to the start of the trail. Note the water in Bear Canyon creek. This is the first time I've encountered water in this creek this winter. It is still very low and easily fordable but good to see some water.
Photo 3 looks west down Bear Canyon from the end of the lower part of the Canyon, looking toward Tucson. The trail starts to go upcountry a fair bit at this point and most hikers don't reach this point (stopping at Seven Falls). It was extremely busy to Seven Falls on Friday, but after about 30-45 minutes of further hiking, I didn't see another person for hours.
Photo 4 was taken at the end of the Bear Canyon trail (7 miles in) and looks north up the backcountry of the East and West Forks toward the high mountains of the central Catalinas. I believe the highest peak in the picture is Cathedral Rock, the high point of the front Catalinas. As usual, there were no hikers in the Forks.
Photo 5 shows an interesting rock that looks like a middle eastern noble or sage in a big hat to me (maybe the sun was getting to me). This is on Sabino Canyon trail, the trail that goes east above the highest Sabino Canyon tram stop.
Photo 6 shows the Sabino Canyon gorge from the Sabino Canyon trail. The picture doesn't do justice to the gorge as it is a very dramatic canyon with huge rock faces plunging down to Sabino Canyon creek.
Photo 7 shows the top of Sabino Canyon from the high starting point of Phoneline trail.
Photo 8 looks at southern wall of Sabino Canyon from the upper part of Phoneline.
Photos 9 and 10 looks down Sabino Canyon toward the city in the late afternoon sun.
All in all, another spectacular hike in fabulous weather. I was quite tired by the end due to the length of the trail and the fact that it includes two significant climbs (although not as hard as the front side trails like Pima Canyon, Finger Rock or Ventana). I love the backcountry on this hike as it feels like I am the only person in paradise!
Trail stats: 17.3 miles with 2,910 feet of vertical to a peak of about 4,800 feet in 6 hours 20 minutes.
