We set out to hike Mount Lemmon about mid-morning but were turned away because of snow and ice on the trail. That left us the option of finding a (half-day) hike at lower elevation. We explored Sabino Canyon during our previous stay in Tucson about five years ago and so settled on much less visited Ventana Canyon. Until recently access to the canyon was difficult because permission was needed to cross private land. A one-mile easement was built by the county opening up the canyon to all.
Saguaros replace trees along the canyon walls.
Along the trail: ocotillos, prickly pear, barrel cacti and mesquite trees.
Jim standing next to a baby saguaro - just to give you a feeling of their size.
It was the day for bird nests. We found several along our route.
Our hiking companions: friends Katy and Marlin.
About 2 miles up the trail, our goal: Maiden Pools
A jewel of a canyon and a gem of a hike.
Happy 2014!
No comments:
Post a Comment