March 13 - 15, 2015

This Sabino Loop Backpack takes us only a few miles from Tucson, but everything seems a world away once you're up there. Join me for this tough little two-night backpack to a spectacular mountain region in Tucson's backyard.

The Plan*

We'll head up Esperero Canyon in mid-morning on Friday, March 13th. That's two Fridays the 13th in a row! There will be plenty of time to get to camp, so we needn't rush. Waiting for us near the little campsite is lovely Bridal Veil Falls, which may be doing nothing more than dripping. There certainly won't be a lot of water, but there may be enough.

Bridal Veil Falls / Downstream from Hutch's Pool On Saturday, we'll have breakfast and break camp, then head up the mountain. We will turn right onto the Cathedral Rock Trail about a mile above the falls, hike past Cathedral Peak, and continue down to the West Fork Sabino Trail as we head for our second night on the trail at Hutch's Pool.

We can discuss an optional 4-mile, 1700-foot side trip to Window Peak and The Window.

Another option might be to climb Cathedral Peak, if I can find the route. That adds 900 feet and about 1.5 miles, round trip.

After spending one more night in camp, we'll have a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast then pack up and head back to Tucson. We'll have three or four miles of hiking before we begin running into people.

The Prep

No permits are needed for this trip, so there are no charges or fees to pay. You will have to have a permit to park at Sabino Canyon, however.

You'll need food for two breakfasts, two lunches. and two dinners.

The Elements      Spot Forecast

There should be a trickle of water at Bridal Veil Falls, and there's always plenty of water at Hutch's Pool. We may have to carry an extra liter or two of water. We'll check before we go, of course. No worries on that point.

The weather in the Catalinas in mid-March can be very nice. Daytime highs will most likely be in the 70s or even the 80s, with lows in the mid-40s or low 50s. Camping in the canyon at Bridal Veil Falls can be a bit chilly, as a breeze tends to come down the canyon at night. Hutch's Pool will be warm.

Our first campground at Bridal Veil Falls is at about 5,500 feet, while Hutch's Pool is lower at about 3,900 feet. It'll definitely be a bit cooler up there than it is in Tucson. Perhaps by as much as 10 degrees or more. You probably won't need a colder weather sleeping bag at this time of year. I'll definitely be taking my 40° bag. Click the Weather link above for a forecast.

The Hike

day miles elev gain destination
Friday 0.0 / 0.0 0 ft / 0 ft Sabino Canyon Visitor Center
Friday 0.7 / 0.7 50 ft / 50 ft Jct with Esperero Canyon Trail
Friday 2.9 / 3.6 1650 ft / 1700 ft Cardiac Gap
Friday 2.4 / 6.2 1100 ft / 2800 ft Bridal Veil Falls
Saturday 0.9 / 7.1 600 ft / 3400 ft Cathedral Trail Jct
Saturday 4.0 / 11.1 1700 ft / 5100 ft Optional side trip to Window Peak and the Window
Saturday 1.1 / 8.2 or 12.2 800 ft / 4200 ft or 5900 ft Cathedral Peak Route Jct
Saturday 1.8 / 10.0 or 14.0 -1400 ft / 4200 ft or 5900 ft West Fork Sabino Trail Jct
Saturday 3.4 / 13.4 or 17.4 -1600 ft / 4200 ft or 5900 ft Hutch's Pool
Sunday 1.6 / 15.0 or 19.0 -200 ft / 4200 ft or 5900 ft East Fork/West Fork Jct
Sunday 2.5 / 17.5 or 21.5 200 ft / 4400 ft or 6100 ft Lunch Rock
Sunday 3.1 / 20.6 or 24.6 200 ft / 4600 ft or 6300 ft Blackett's Ridge Trail Jct
Sunday 1.4 / 22.0 or 26.0 100 ft / 4700 ft or 6400 ft Sabino Canyon Visitor Center

* - The Plan may be modified as water availability changes.

The End

Go home.