There are a couple of reasons I’d recommend also hiking the Nature Trail at Catalina State Park. On average it takes 29 minutes to complete this trail. the photo below was taken on a different visit which is why she doesn’t look filthy!). One of my favorite things to do on our 5 year road trip is to go hiking. This involves taking almost 100 steps down which is the reason I recommended going counter-clockwise around the trail. This trail leads past several former ranching reservoirs to a bench with stunning views of Grand Canyon at Inspiration Point. You should see a sign for the park. We do have some referral & affiliate links, but only for products or services we use. Truffles is actually a little less excited than normal as we’re going out less now – she’s already used to being us around all the time, so she’s a little spoiled . 47 Miles. although the Trail was scheduled to be open Nov 1st - it was still closed. Many visitors enjoy exploring the 37.2-mile Trans Catalina Trail. Along the last section you’ll pass through these trees; I don’t know what kind they are, so I don’t know if they always lack leaves, or if they provide shade at other times of the year when their branches aren’t bare. This trail provided several water crossings, flowers, cactus, and even some … As mentioned earlier, the Canyon Loop Trail is 2.3 miles, but the Nature Trail is only 1 mile long. Make it a 1.4-mile loop … Once you’re down in the canyon, you’ll find yourself walking alongside a stream. At a Glance For example, when we visited in March they had a Music In The Mountains concert series, bird walks, geology walks, ‘Save a Saguaro’ projects and much more. make a right into Catalina State Park. We're Stephen & Shae Pepper and this is our dog Truffles. The Canyon Loop Trail takes you along parts of the Romero Canyon Trail and Sutherland Trail, with a connection between the two to create the loop. There are two spots you can start the hike, one closest to the parking lot, and the other is left of that where the road loops. We had an inordinate amount of rain during our time in Tucson, so there was still some shallow water there. We chose to do this trail counter-clockwise, but there seemed to be a lot more people doing in the other direction. 2 Recommended Routes. I’d been hoping to hike the Romero Canyon Trail up to Montrose Pools and Romero Pools, but those parts of the trail aren’t pet-friendly and I had Truffles with me. If you still have some energy in your legs and aren’t feeling too hot, I recommend taking a diversion off to the right to walk along the Nature Trail. The beginning part of the Romero Canyon trail provides the first leg of a nice, short loop hike that wanders through the foothills of Catalina State Park and avoids much of the crowds. Now I have a one speed in front. Catalina State Park is right outside of Tucson Arizona. Oct 25, 2015 near ... Added Badlands Trail and Window Rock Loop. I would like to return when we can actually go up into the hills. Slightly sandy, gravely. You can get a trail map there, at the interpretive center on the way to the botanical garden or at the airport. An assortment of loop trails give day hikers a great glimpse at a variety of Island locales, returing them to where they started. The way back, down in the creek, was much nicer. It has eight trails available of differing lengths and difficulty levels. If you’re a camper or RVer, they have 120 campsites available. Dec 18, 2017 - This is a fun, moderate hike that has a well-defined trail. If you’ll be hiking the Canyon Loop Trail, I’d recommend taking your lunch with you as there’s a nice spot to stop for a picnic on the trail. We spent the first couple of weeks in Tucson and I ended up visiting nearby Catalina State Park several times as it’s such a beautiful park at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. To get to the main trailhead, follow the road all the way down to the end. Difficulty: Difficult; Dog Friendly: No; Trail Description. Depending on when you visit, their gift shop might be open. During the summer months the best time to hike, would be in the morning hours. It offers fantastic views of the ridges and peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is easy to navigate. Sad too see what the fire did but still so beautiful! Not much going on….always love to hear of your adventures. Hiking along this flat area you will notice a … We decided to follow the rankings and do the number one rated hike in the park. Catalina State Park: Canyon Loop Trail - See 781 traveler reviews, 479 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The trail is wide to be suitable for hikers, bikers and horses. We added a little spur to get a closer look up the canyon, even though the trail is closed off (until May 1st) just before entering the canyon because of the fire damage on the Big Horn sheep birthing this spring. We've quit our jobs and are on a 5 year, 50 state road trip. Would be lovely when the creek is flowing! This 1.7-mile long single trail climbs some 1,200 feet to a junction with East Road (a fire road straddling the divide at the southern end of Catalina Island). We're on a 5 year, 50 state road trip... and beyond. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Catalina State Park, Tucson Picture: Canyon Loop Trail - Check out Tripadvisor members' 30,745 candid photos and videos of Catalina State Park What a great day for a Canyon Loop Trail hike the weather is perfect. 0 Difficult Trails. There is a large parking lot with a few picnic tables and this is where the trail comes out on the main Catalina Park road. Hermit Gulch Trail is the steepest part of the hike. Also remember that this is the desert and with it comes desert critters (snakes, scorpions, etc.) Lots of wildlife, birds and javelins! Just past the campground, turn right on Hermit Gulch Trail. There’s no soap or hand sanitizer though, so you’ll want to bring that with you. Trail Type: Loop; Trailhead Elevation: 2,800 ft. Gain/Loss: +2700 ft. Trail was open on 11/08/2020! It costs $7 per vehicle to enter Catalina State Park and $3 for individuals and bikes. The best hike I did there was the easy 2.6-mile Canyon Loop trail. This is the perfect spot to stop for some lunch as there are a few trees providing some shade, so Truffles and I did just that on one of our hikes. Disclosure: We don’t write sponsored posts or have credit card affiliate links. A nice long desert stroll - only did 3.5 miles of it one-way. For as much as she loves hiking, Truffles isn’t a huge fan of the sun. It’s quiet here in Oklahoma city. This is a reasonable fee considering how nice the park is and the wide range of activities they run there. Sutherland Trail immediately climbs to a plateau and levels off. This is a very fun loop trail that offers a shorter 12.1-mile loop option too if you cut over to the left (west) at the 5.35-mile junction where you'll link up with the last part of the run. Keep your eyes open and you will be fine, and remember to drink lots of water!! Planning for a Catalina Island Hike . Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Path leading up to the Nature Trail. Along the trail are many different desert plants, la cholla, prickly pear, sahauro, and desert shrubs. Lots of saguaros. Thank you! A sign here notes the access to the Trans-Catalina Trail. Truffles decided to take advantage of the cold water by quenching her thirst at this early stage. Once you’ve crossed the creek, you’ll walk up a steady slope. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required) The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. There are also multiple extensions ( Badlands Trail and Tortolita Pass Trail), with the Tortolita Pass Trail linking up to the Dove Mountain trail system that is usually accessed at the Wild Burro Trail . Apr 11, 2019 near Catalina, AZ. It’s a nice, easy trail, with the most difficult part being the ascent up a short hill to get to the loop trail. What a beautiful park! If hiking outside of Avalon, you'll need a hiking permit. If you want to take in the majestic views for a little longer on the hike, at the top of the hill there are a couple of benches to sit and enjoy them. Truffles is ,of course, as adorable as ever!! The Canyon Loop Trail doesn’t offer much shade for humans, so be aware of that if you’re visiting in the summer and bring water with you. It’s a wide, flat trail, so there’s plenty of space even if the park is busy with other hikers. Hi guys and truffles! The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. Catalina Canyon Loop Trail is a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Tucson, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Very wide gravel trail. Once you reach the end of the road, you’ll arrive at the parking lot. Submit one here. The second half of the hike will drop you down and right along a wash/creek bed that you will cross four times. This is a long, hot, steep loop hike that has fantastic views with a refreshing surprise to end the 22 mile loop. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Continue 2.0 miles to a signed junction with the Phoneline Trail and a view of the Sabino Canyon Road end (16.3). Head east until you come to the Ranger Station, there is a $6.00 daily fee. The path up to this point is fairly gradual, whereas taking the ~100 steps up in the opposite direction would probably be a little more of an intensive workout. If you were headed North on Oracle rd (HWY 77) a couple miles past 1st ave. but before you get to Tangerine Rd. There are also multiple extensions ( Badlands Trail and Tortolita Pass Trail), with the Tortolita Pass Trail linking up to the Dove Mountain trail system that is usually accessed at the Wild Burro Trail . Apparently she didn’t appreciate the impromptu bath as shortly after that she decided to stop, drop and roll in a big pile of horse poop. Trail is open. I couldn’t be mad at her for long though because seriously – how cute is she?! Mostly open des but also around a small canyon if you take Canyon Loop Trail to connect on either end of the hike. No description for Canyon Loop trail has been added yet! Honey Bee Canyon Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail located near Catalina, Arizona that offers the chance to see wildlife. We took the one … 76 Kilometers. In addition to all the fun activities they organize, one of the great features of Catalina State Park is how well-marked the trails are. The way we went you start up with a steep uphill right off the bat, where the other direction walks you up the wash for a ways before it treats you to some steps. The Esperero Canyon Loop Trail is located in the Santa Catalina Mountain Range in Tucson. The trail was heavily trafficked but it is a very wide trail that can handle people walking in both directions at the same time most of the way. As a result, we hiked the Canyon Loop Trail and Nature Trail as dogs are allowed on both those trails. Really enjoyed this post. That means you’ll start off on the Romero Canyon Trail. A chance to see fire damage up close. Sep 1, 2015 near Catalina, AZ. The city is straddled to the east and west by Saguaro National Park, but there are plenty of saguaro (pronounced suh-wah-roh) in Catalina State Park to enjoy if you don’t want to pay the $25 entry fee for vehicles at the National Park. It wasn’t a problem crossing the creek though as it was still pretty shallow, plus there were stepping stones placed across it. Great way to spend an afternoon. The loop starts and ends in slightly different locations (only about 100 yards from each other); I’d recommend walking it counter-clockwise as I think it’s probably a little easier that way. The trail takes you across a creek bed. Bathtub Tank itself is found in the canyon just below a junction where your trail makes a … As you come to the end of the Canyon Loop Trail, you’ll see the parking lot in the distance. Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park, Tucson AZ 2.2 miles round trip Dogs allowed Great for kids Trail crosses the wash multiple times. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. Either way, they look pretty cool. After that junction, the trail will begin to meander through a small wash and as it gets closer! Much of this area has been burned from a lightning fire. The Birding Trail is located in the Catalina State Park north of Tucson, Arizona. Front Derailleur crapped out! Canyon Loop Trail: Beginning at the park trailhead, this 2.3 mile loop crosses a wash several times and takes about an hour to complete. The saguaro aren’t the only eye-catching feature as the views of the Santa Catalina Mountains are pretty stunning too. Catalina Canyon Loop Trail is a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Tucson, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The park also provides a ton of activities each week to learn more about the area and enhance your experience there. Adopt a Saguaro Canyon Loop Trail Cacti Available on the Canyon Loop Trail Grand Daddy Saguaro C-8 Canyon Loop Trail… Location: North side of trail… Height: 30’… Number of arms: 4+… GPS coordinates: N 32.43095 W -110.90092 Grand Daddy Saguaro… Wonderful views, easy trail! Nice clean trail, lots of damage from wild fires, but still beautiful. 7 Intermediate Trails. As nice as these photos look, seeing it in person is even better. The worst thing about this is that she was still wet, so the (thankfully mostly grassy) poop just clung to her fur. This area was hit heavily by the fires this summer and it is interesting to see how much can really burn in the desert. The trail roughly parallels the creek which lies several hundred feet below you to the right. It can be accessed by bicycle. The trail will curve due south and there will be one connecting trail coming in from the left, but you'll go straight past it. You’ll then head uphill a little out of the canyon, although it’s not at all steep along this section. All Content © Copyright 2017-20, Stephen & Shae Pepper, No Home Just Roam, despite not always having the greatest sense of direction when hiking, Hotel Review: Hyatt Place Tucson-Central, Arizona - No Home Just Roam, Visiting Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park In Maryland, Hotel Review: Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront, MD, Visiting The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum In Ocean City, MD, 1 Month In Ocean City, MD – Here’s What We Did, Hiking The Chimney Rock & Wolf Rock Trails At Catoctin Mountain Park, MD. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. There are some basic restrooms, with a faucet off to the left. AZ STATE PARK Ranger Service 520-628-5798. Having said that, the stairs are fairly gradual too. Seeing as you’re hiking the Canyon Loop Trail, the next part of the trail takes you down into the canyon. The store also has information about the park’s activities, including a print-off with a list of times and dates for you to take with you. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. The first is that it gives you a different – and equally beautiful – vantage point of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Catalina State Park is on the north side of Tucson. Easy 1.5hr hike! Mountain biking Nature trips … My three Chihuahuas are so glad we are home. This is a very fun loop trail that offers a shorter 12.1-mile loop option too if you cut over to the left (west) at the 5.35-mile junction where you'll link up with the last part of the hike. We have had a lot of snow in our mountains so we are experiencing a lot of water in our wash systems. Length 17.7 miElevation gain 915 ftRoute type Loop. I therefore encouraged her to wade in the water and then covered her with more water to help keep her cool. Thanks! We still have more of Arizona to see, but it was much more beautiful than I was expecting. Beautiful easy hike. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 168 ft blue climb. The trail follows Alamo Canyon drainage down to where it joins the road--between the ranger station and the Romero Ruins parking lot and picnic area. Canyon Loop is a 2 mile less popular blue singletrack trail located near Oro Valley Arizona. Discover trails like Canyon Loop Trail - Catalina State Park Arizona, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The trail takes you across the creek a couple of times. The Canyon Loop stays right following the creek bottom. There are several tables and chairs outside, along with some larger picnic tables in case you want to have lunch before or after a hike. From parking area we will take the Canyon Loop Trail then pick up the Sutherland trail to the Big Rock. It’s a perfect option for somebody looking to get a good dose of nature without venturing into a strenuous and time consuming hike. From this point it is 2.5 miles back to the end of the road where hikers can catch a shuttle bus ride (for a fee) or walk back to your car to complete a 13.4 mile loop. […] hotel is about 10 minutes from downtown Tucson, 20 minutes from the airport, 25 minutes from Catalina State Park and about 45 minutes from Saguaro National Park (both east and west sections) and Biosphere […]. There are lots of saguaro to see along the way. The Canyon Loop Trail is only 2.3 miles long, but it can be thirsty work in the heat of the day. Turn right staying on the Sabino Canyon Trail and begin a … (n.b. 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