(If you're starting with this post, you might want to check out Part One first: Memorial Day Hike Down Mt. Lemmon to Catalina State Park, Tucson, Arizona.)
Someone commented on the first part of this story that they don't think of Arizona as being cold. That depends on elevation. Friends hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim last Tuesday, starting in the falling snow at the north rim, warming to 90 degrees at the bottom, and then back up to the south rim. It's cold at 7:00 in the morning when you're above 9,000 feet! It doesn't matter whether you're in Colorado, Arizona or Canada.
We had started by driving to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, where we arrived--nearly two miles into the sky--at that early hour. On top we found Friday's snow still covering some of the ground, and the whipping wind made us want to get started. The temperature at the base of the mountain--13 miles down and to the north--was a balmy 70 degrees.
Ignorance is bliss. None of us had taken this particular trail previously, though some thought that others had done so.
It turns out that a 7 mile stretch of this 13 mile hike is the steepest trail in all of the Santa Catalina mountains. It's nothing but switchbacks, and all downhill.
My companions were in significantly better shape that am I, a fact which was to give us trouble six hours into the hike. For the moment, though, we enjoyed the view...
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert. (Not on this trail, though!)
I show up ON TIME. I do WHAT I SAY I'm going to do. I FINISH what I start. If I mess up, I 'FESS UP & I fix it. In the mortgage business, these 4 things are why you'll want to do business with me.
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More healthy stuff! I wrecked my car 30 years ago near Flagstaff. We got snowed in and had a great time at the Holiday Inn for 3 days. Now that is my kind of outdoor adventure. That picture is absolutely gorgeous.
Virginia,
Thanks for being the first to comment. I think Flag is expecting some snow this coming week.
Mike in Tucson
Mike: What an awesome view! You're really teasing us with these "to be continued" posts... hope all went well out on the trail... parked.... waiting for the rest of the story!
Ohhh, I would not have been able to walk for two weeks. My shins would be totally trashed, not to mention the toenails! The right shoes would save the toes, lots of practice would help the shins. Owwiee.
Mike, I remember visiting Mt. Lemmon when I lived there. That's some hike!
Mike: Hiking up is great but getting down is the killer. By the way, never take a motorhome up Mt. Lemon and drive it down with a tank of water.
Your pictures depict the beauty of the area.
Love the picture Mike, and the intrigue! Hope all's well that ends well. Will be back!
Mike, it looks as though a good time was had by all. The view is a real "WOW". I am ready for the next installment of your adventure.
Don R.
Mike, I'm following you down and hope you make it without a helicopter! Beautiful majestic scenery.
What view I just had a buyer from India that wants a condo here in Michigan with lake front, on a Golf Course and finally a view of a mountian. Well two out of three isn't too bad but the view is quite something.
My brother heads out to Philmont next month for his 3rd trek. He has a full hip and shoulder replacement - and I think it's remarkable that he goes 10K ft!
But he TRAINS for like 10 months! WHERE YOU CRAZY??
Mike - Thirteen miles is a bit more than these boots were made for walking, but for a view like that, I might find new boots! Can't wait to hear the rest of the trail's tale...
Mike - Great pictures again. You must have had a great time with this trip. It looks like the weather was great.
Hey Mike,
Wow, looks like you had a great time. I love hiking myself, but 13 miles, yikes! Good for you.
Placeholder to return comments. And yes! I was crazy, Eleanor! But I'm so glad I did it.
Mike in Tucson
I'll bet that those who don't believe that it can get cold in Arizona would have been absolutely flabbergasted at the late snow we got on Mt. Lemmon in the middle of May!
Mike - what a breath-taking view! beautiful!
Spectacular photo, Mike... 13 miles... man, I would need a strong donkey for that trip.