How do you hike from Sabino Canyon to Mt. Lemmon?

Question

Has anyone done this trip? Is it too soon?

Has anyone done it? I have found a bunch of stuff on driving, but I want to backpack it. I am also growing impatient and sick of waiting for it to warm up; when can I go?

Answer 1

I have hiked from Mount Lemmon (Summerhaven) to Sabino Canyon. There are a number of routes that you can take:

You could take the Box Camp Trail from near Spencer campground, down to Sabino Basin and then from Sabino Basin into Sabino Canyon.

From Summerhaven, you could take the Aspen trail to a little unnamed side trail that connects down to Box Camp trail (what we did).

From Summerhaven, you could take the Wilderness of Rocks Trail to Romero Pass and then take the West Fork Sabino Trail down to Sabino Basin.

Be warned that the Wonderland of Rocks area is pretty rough country and it can be hard to find the trail. We spent over an hour trying to where the trail dropped off the ridge into the basin and almost got stuck up there in the dark. Have a good topo map of the area (Tucson Map and Flag should have a hiking map) and also a compass and preferably a GPS. Also note that there is not a lot of water for most of the route, so be sure to bring plenty.

It was over 15 years ago that I did it, so I am not sure what the rules are regarding backpacking and overnight camping there now. There were some excellent camp spots in Sabino Basin, especially up the west fork near Hutch's pool.

Weatherwise, late March through early May would be best (or late Sept through early October in the fall).

Answer 2

Went by car, but when it's 80 degrees down in Tucson it is only 60 degrees up there. I think it is too, soon. The time factor to get up tere may be a problem if you are on the way up when it turns dark, there are mountain lions that mirk around at dusk.

Answer 3

On your feet.