We were invited by B&L on a hike with the hounds in the Santa Rita Mountains some 25 miles south of Tucson. Naturally we eagerly accepted as this would be our first visit to the area and our hounds could get some exercise together while Bryden guided us on new trails.
The plan was to meet early at the Old Baldy Trailhead in Madera Canyon but en route we received a call from Bryden who was now incapacitated after overdoing sets and reps on a rowing machine. We were disappointed but continued anyway even though I had no clue about where we should be going. Besides, Phoebe had pent up energy to dissipate after sitting in the truck too long.
A large sign to the Madera Canyon Recreation Area guided us off I-19 S on exit 63 so we were in no danger of getting lost driving. Besides, it was clear we should be heading east to the awesome mountains ahead. We passed several quaint vacation cottages along a narrow road winding up the canyon before reaching the trailhead parking lot near a picnic area. Everything was well maintained and signposted here by the Forest Service.
There a large trailhead map showed Old Baldy Trail went to the summit of Mt. Wrightson that was still snow covered at 9,453'. We were not prepared for an icy trail or bracing cold so continued straight ahead at the junction where the Old Baldy trail branched up left. Signs informed us we were now heading up Madera Canyon to the Agua Caliente Saddle and warned about a very steep trail.
At first the trail became rocky then indistinct at times but we climbed on through beautiful woods hoping to find some spectacular views higher up the ridge. Phoebe cared little for views as she followed invisible scent trails with her nose to the ground, only pausing on occasion to chew scattered pieces of tree bark.
We were a little confused by several unmarked trail branches before meeting up with a solitary hiker, who informed us she had turned back where the trail ended at an old mine where no marvelous vista could be had. We forged on anyway as the mine itself sounded interesting.
Sure enough, we came upon a broken steam engine and boiler then a narrow mine entrance posted with dire warnings. Supposedly copper, zinc, silver and lead were mined here. I noticed a faint trail continued off to the left and headed up the ridge to where I guessed the saddle ought to be. The snowy summit of Mt. Hopkins could be seen off to the side.
We persisted with the relentless climb anticipating the saddle would be just over the next rise. We did come upon a small, uninspiring saddle with campsite and corral but the steep ridge continued above and beyond. Phoebe and Chel rested while I scouted ahead to formulate a plan.
It was obvious we were no longer on any official trail and 100 yards or so of endless uphill were enough to convince me no spectacular view was just ahead. Snow lay in shady patches and since I had no map it was wiser to turn back.
Phoebe is incredibly swift and agile going downhill so it's better to have her off leash at times or risk being flipped over. Chel wisely kept us on track at several confusing junctions until at last we could relax on more gentle ground.
Back at the trailhead I studied the posted map to review where we had been. Turns out we were on the less travelled Carrie Nation Trail #78 that indeed makes a T-junction with the Agua Caliente Trail near the saddle. However, we had unwittingly chosen one of several branches that officially ended at the Vault Mine site.
In all we had covered just over five miles of steep terrain with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and the plan without a plan worked well since we got a good workout in stellar surroundings. Phoebe was unperturbed and ready for lunch.
References:
Forest Service link to Madera Canyon =>
Glad you are keeping up the very professional blogs following the change of location! Keep them coming as we always enjoy reading about your travels and hikes. We are hoping to go to Oz in June and check out possible relocation sites. Will keeep you posted.
ReplyDeleteJohn