Pima Canyon Trail #62

The trailhead for Pima Canyon Trail #62 is easily accessible with a dedicated parking lot. It's located north of Tucson, Arizona, in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Due to the trail's popularity, especially during mild winters, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot.

No, dogs are not allowed in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness portion of the trail at any time. This regulation is in place to protect the desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The mild local winters are the most popular time to hike the Pima Canyon Trail #62, offering pleasant temperatures for exploration. However, this also means the trail can be very crowded. Spring and fall can also be good, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Summers are extremely hot and generally not recommended for extended hikes.

No specific permits or entrance fees are generally required to hike the Pima Canyon Trail #62. However, it is located within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, which has specific regulations, such as restrictions on off-trail travel during bighorn sheep lambing season (January 1st to April 30th) and the prohibition of dogs.

The difficulty of this trail varies significantly. The initial section to the lower dam (about 3.2 miles one-way with 800 feet elevation gain) is considered moderate and takes 2-3 hours round trip. Hiking to Pima Spring is a nice day hike, taking 4-5 hours. The upper sections, especially to Mount Kimball Summit View, are very steep, hard to follow, and significantly more difficult, often taking eight or more hours for the full 14.2-mile round trip with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.

The trail begins in a park-like Sonoran Desert setting, quickly entering a 'V'-shaped canyon. The path is initially relatively flat but becomes rockier as you ascend, following a craggy wash. You'll experience a rich desert riparian habitat with saguaro cacti, palo verde, mesquite, and large cottonwood trees. Towering cliffs frame the canyon, and as you gain elevation, you'll be rewarded with expansive views of Tucson and distant mountains.

The desert riparian habitat supports diverse wildlife. You might spot various resident and migratory bird species, javelina, and jackrabbits. The most sought-after sighting is the desert bighorn sheep, which inhabit the rocky crags. Remember that from January 1st to April 30th, travel more than 400 feet off the trail is prohibited due to bighorn sheep lambing season.

Yes, about 90 minutes into the hike, you can find a platform of flat rock with ancient metates. A small dam, built in the 1960s for wildlife, is also a common turnaround point for shorter hikes. As you ascend, views of Tucson, distant mountains, and Pusch Peak become increasingly spectacular. The Mount Kimball Summit View is particularly renowned for its panoramic vistas.

The Pima Canyon Trail #62 is primarily an out-and-back route. While you can turn around at various points like the lower dam or Pima Spring, the main path follows the canyon up towards Mount Kimball and Pima Saddle before returning the same way.

Yes, while the route primarily follows the Pima Canyon Trail #62, it also includes sections of the Mount Kimball Spur Trail and the Pima Saddle Spur, especially if you're heading towards the summit of Mount Kimball.

To avoid crowds, consider starting your hike very early in the morning, especially on weekends or during peak season. Weekdays might also offer a quieter experience. If you're looking for solitude, exploring the more strenuous upper sections beyond the lower dam will naturally thin out the number of hikers. Always carry plenty of water, as there is no reliable water source on the trail.