Oracle State Park Hike

Tossed the dog into the Porsche and headed out for a hike.  Yes, we can fit the dog in the Porsche!  We made the quick trip up to Oracle State Park in Oracle, AZ.  This state park had been closed due to AZ state budget cuts.  It recently reopened in Feb 2012 and is currently only open on Saturdays.  If you haven’t been there you should really check it out.  It definitely is a bit quieter than most of the other state parks in the area.  It houses a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge with oak woodland and desert grassland; views of the Catalinas, the San Pedro River Valley, and the Galiuro Mountains; a historic ranch house; and 15 miles of trail for hikers and bikers.

Max hiking at Oracle State Park

We hiked mid spring and really enjoyed the area.  It is dog friendly and our pup did well.  The trails weren't too challenging to hike but there is some elevation change and some amazing views back towards the Galiuro mountains to the east.  Most importantly we had most of Oracle State Park to ourselves!

Tucson Mountain Weekend

I know I seem to post a lot about hiking in the Tucson Mountains but a) they are basically in my backyard and b) they just don't get enough PR as everyone is always talking about the Catalina's.  I thoroughly enjoy hiking out here in the winter and the crowds are minimal.

Tucson Mountain Wash Hike

On Saturday we took all of the dogs for once and headed up to a wash just across from the Desert Museum.  If you go over Gates Pass and then make a right on Kinney just after the desert museum there is a parking lot on the right.  Park here and follow the trail head down into the wash.  From there just follow the wash uphill for some great secluded scenery.  There are a few areas where the wash has created some interesting canyons and colors.  It's an interesting little hike for a mile or two up  into the mountains.

Saturday night a storm rolled through and we awoke to snow in the Tucson's!  This is a rare event so we rushed out the door to get out and hike before it melted away.  We headed up the Hugh Norris trail, one of our favorites.  After reaching the first saddle we were greeted by great valley views of the snow covered Tucson and Catalina Mountains.  We hiked from there about another half a mile to the second saddle.  After that the urge to explore our own path took over and we headed up a couple of peaks off of the trail.  We found a couple of nice "windows" in the rocks and had a good time scrambling up the mountain.

Snow!!

Love the Saguaro!!

Another window in the mountains

Window in the side of the Tucson Mountains

Great view of the Tucson and Catalina Mountains