pusch ridge wilderness

Human Remains, Helicopters, Motorcycles, Lizards

Posted - Charles Miles

Hikers stumble upon badly decomposed body on Mount Lemmon (KGUN9.com) and Hikers Find Human Remains on Mount Lemmon (PCSD) – Human remains were found by hikers a quarter mile from the Marshall Gulch Trailhead – the initial investigation did not reveal any “evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances”.

Gen Hitchcock Hwy on Mt Lemmon closed at MP 17.4, just above the Rose Canyon turnoff, for about an hour (PCSD), Male Injured Falling Off a Cliff on Mount Lemmon (PCSD), Road to Mt. Lemmon has reopened to traffic (TucsonNewsNow) and Man rescued after falling over retaining wall on Mt. Lemmon (KVOA.com)- a brief road closure for the rescue of a man who fell from a retaining wall in the San Pedro Vista area.

Mt. Lemmon a motorcyclist’s playground (KVOA.com) – A report on motorcyclists on the mountain, as usual with any user group there are a variety of opinions and levels of responsibility. Probably the most fascinating part of the article where these stats from 2013: 11 tickets – 12 crashes – 1 fatal – lower than I would have guessed.

Helicopter Use by AZ Game and Fish Dept within Pusch Ridge Wilderness – While the official comment period is apparently over (ended July 30) comments still be accepted and the documents related to this proposal are interesting reading. I share the concern expressed in a recently in an Action Alert from the Arizona Trail Assocation:

The Arizona Trail Association is concerned that increased helicopter traffic in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson would significantly impact the experience of trail users along Passages 11 and 12 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, especially within a federally designated wilderness area.

Sabino Canyon Lizard Walks – Lead by the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists Lizard walks will take place at 8am on the 2nd Saturday of the month in August, September and October! 2014 Summer Activities.

Mint Spring, Marshall Gulch, Blackett’s Ridge – 2014/4/19

Updated - Posted - Charles Miles
1404 Mint at Mint Spring
A small mint growing near Mint Spring. April 2014.

The gray overcast sky was a surprise and a delight when we looked outside – the temperatures have started to soar, reminding us of summer, but today was quite cool. Summerhaven was not as crowded as I expected for a holiday weekend and we were alone at the Mint Spring Trailhead. We hiked slowly – our friend was testing out a new pack and had it loaded with his overnight gear – savoring the views, watching birds and enjoying the clouds. We turned onto the Marshall Gulch Trail – plenty of water here – and eventually took the road back to the car.

1404 Alison and Bill on the Mint Spring Trail
Arriving at the Mint Spring, Aspen, Wilderness of Rocks, Marshall Gulch junction. April 2014.

In the evening I met a friend and we ran/hiked up Blackett’s Ridge catching a great sun set from the ridge – a lovely trail with superb conversation – a perfect way to end the day!

1404 Ending the Day on Blackett's Ridge
End of the day on Blackett’s Ridge – the clouds kept the day cool and created an incredible sunset! April 2014.

Gibbon Mountain – 2014/3/15

Updated - Posted - Charles Miles

We met friends in the parking lot and started for Gibbon Mountain at about 4:30pm – our friends had never been up Gibbon Mountain and we took our time going up to enjoy the views and the light. As we topped out on the last highpoint on the ridge before Gibbon our daylight was starting to fade.

1403 Ridge near Gibbon Mountain
Ridge near Gibbon Mountain. March 2014.

We picked up the pace a bit to get to the official summit of Gibbon just in time for the sunset –

1403 Sunset from Gibbon Mountain

– stayed to enjoy the nearly full moon –

1403 Moon from Gibbon Mountain

– and finally headed back in the dark…

1403 Leaving Gibbon

flickr – 2014 April Butterfly Trail

Sunset Trail, Storm – 2014/3/1

Updated - Posted - Charles Miles
1402 Sunset Trail in the Clouds
Sunset Trail in the Clouds. February 2014.

Clouds covered the upper portion of the mountain and there were forecasts of possible snow – driving up the mountain clouds float thru the ridges above Bear Canyon and rockfall on the road reminds me to pay attention – somewhere before the Palisade Ranger Station the clouds cover the highway – I went higher hoping that fast moving clouds might offer interesting views… Mostly wind at the start of the Sunset Trail – it doesn’t really start to rain and hail until I arrive at the empty Marshall Gulch Picnic Area, and then it really really rains and hails on the way back… The clouds never break – just part of the fun.

flickr – 2014 March Sunset Trail Storm