Ventana Canyon

November 19, 2021 hike: Ventana Canyon to the Saddle.

I made it to the top! First time this year. I think I also did Ventana as my second hike last year and didn't make it to the saddle. So maybe the summer running this year did help.

The day was spectacular again: beautiful sunshine, temps hitting the low 80s and no hikers for most of the day. There were only three small blemishes: 1) vicious scratchy plants (especially the aptly named cat claw Acacia), 2) a lot of buzzy insects, and 3) a tough to follow trail near the top. I used gaiters to mostly deal with the Acacias. Cooler weather should get rid of the insects and the trails may get easier to follow as the season progresses and more hikers use the trails, so these minor annoyances may dissipate in time.

The trail is great, as it has amazing rock structures in the lower canyon and it has a nice mix of steep ascents, forested sections and great views. You can see Ventana Canyon, the northern high Catalinas and the western valley (Oro Valley) to the Tortolita mountains from the Saddle. Ventana is also a great workout given its length and vertical.

Photo 1 shows a rock structure and lower desert vegetation fairly early in the hike.

Photo 2 shows the dramatic lower-canyon rock formations from part way up the steep ascent that marks the end of the lower canyon.

Photo 3 shows the entire lower canyon, with Tucson just beyond it and the Santa Rita mountains in the distance.

Photo 4 looks up at the massive rock formation at the top of the canyon. I hiked a bit higher than this rock.

Photo 5 was taken from my lunch spot on the Saddle, looking east to the high peak marking the northeastern corner of the canyon.

Photo 6 was also taken from the lunch spot and looks north east to the high peaks near the Sabino Canyon recreational area in northeast Tucson.

Photo 7 shows my favorite rock formation near the top of the canyon, which I think looks like a smiling Easter Island figure.

Photo 8 shows eastern canyon wall about halfway down. I think the rock structure in the middle of the picture looks like a Tudor nobleman with a Tudor-style hat.

Photos 9 to 12 show some of the beautiful wildflowers.

The hike was another great day out. I was weary at the end, but not as crushed as after last week's hike. It seems to take time to acclimatize to the altitude and intense workout I get hiking the Catalinas!

Hike stats: about 13 miles with roughly 3,400 vertical feet to a max altitude of 6,500 feet in 7 hours.