On a ridge above Sabino Canyon there is a small stone structure – the structure isn’t noted on the topo maps I have and you won’t find any informational signs as you circle the structure, but a 2012 article by Doug Kreutz for the Arizona Daily Star explains that “The structure is a water tower – or above-ground storage facility – probably associated with a well to the south and east” and likely built in the 1930s or 1940s.
Nights are beautiful in the desert and with daytime temperatures getting hotter it becomes a particularly lovely time to get outside.
Hiking at night has its own challenges – just like any hike be mindful of your knowledge, skills and fitness – going with people that have experience hiking at night and familiarity with the area you want to explore is an excellent idea.
It was sunny and beautiful – Molino Basin Trail up to Shreve Saddle, Sycamore Reservoir Trail down to Sycamore Saddle, Bear Canyon Trail down – the surprise for the day was the amazing display of flowers on the Bear Canyon Trail.
There flowers at the top of the switchbacks are incredible! Below I can see that it is a busy day at Seven Falls – see 25+ people enjoying the water – I am glad that so many people are outside experiencing the mountain, but also happy that the mountain is big enough that I can be alone with the flowers.
We hiked, slowly and with pauses for pictures, out passed the dam and to the lake, under the stars and clouds – it was a beautiful night and as our friend Mindi wrote “I can’t even describe how much fun it is to go sit in the dark with your camera!”