Arizona Scenic Trail - Passage 11: Santa Catalina Mountains
The first 13 passages of the Arizona National Scenic Trail pass through the Coronado National Forest.
- Gordon Hirabayashi Campground to Marshall Gulch Trailhead – 19 miles
After leaving Gordon Hirabayashi Campground, hikers will travel up and into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. A quick descent takes you to Sycamore Reservoir overlook and into the Sycamore Canyon riparian area. While sycamore trees abound, water is not to be expected in this area.
As you continue up the East Fork #29, you will then drop down onto West Fork #24 of Sabino Canyon. Hutches Pool is a short jaunt off West Fork #24 and should not be missed! This year-round swimming hole is an oasis in the desert, but very popular on the weekend. Dispersed camping is available near the swimming hole.
After your swim, the real work begins. Now is the climb up and out of the canyon to the Marshall Gulch Trailhead. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Luckily, once you hit Wilderness of Rock Trail #44, you enter areas with more shade and a cooler atmospheric temperature.
Leave Hutches Pool full of water; water sources aren’t reliable in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Dogs are not permitted on West Fork #24 between Cathedral Rock #26 and Mt Lemmon #5 due to the bighorn sheep closure, making this passage inaccessible for those with dogs.
Arizona National Scenic Trail - Passage 11: Santa Catalina Mountains map
Sycamore Reservoir was originally constructed to supply water to an old prison camp along the Catal
At the end of Sabino Canyon Trail #23, if you choose to continue deeper into the
The name of this trail certainly does catch the attention of anyone scanning a trail map or thumbing through a guide book.