Control Road Snow, Crystal Spring Falls – 12/26/2016

December 2016.
The top of the Control Road – snowy and gated. December 2016.

I would be surprised if the Control Road came up in discussions about ‘Best Hiking Destinations in the Santa Catalina Mountains’ – and with good reason, there are so many great trails on the mountain that a long hike on a frequently driven high-clearance dirt road is a hard sell… But in winter, with sections of the road closed to vehicles, especially with the road blanketed in snow, the top of the road becomes an incredible hike! The wide road is easy to follow (even in enough snow to obscure many other trails), there are great views, tall trees, no vehicles and you can connect to the Crystal Spring Trail – well worth considering!

December 2016.
Sun, Shade and Snow – enjoying the snow on the Control Road. December 2016.
December 2016.
Falls just below the Crystal Spring Trail. December 2016.
December 2016.
Sunset from the Control Road. December 2016.

Sycamore Reservoir, Seasonal Gate Closure – 2014/6/25

Enjoyed a beautiful night for a run on the Sycamore Reservoir Trail last night – the highlight may have been the beautiful rattlesnake coiled on the trail, what an amazing sight!

If you have not been to the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site recently note that the gates to the lower parking are have been closed – the upper parking area is open and there is no closure of trails or of foot/bike/horse travel on road thru the campground – you can still enjoy hiking in the area!

1406 Seasonal Closure
Seasonal Gate Closure in the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Area.