“This extremely popular recreation area is located along Sabino Creek right at the edge of Tucson, Arizona. For many who come to visit the Southwest, this area provides their first close encounter with the Sonoran Desert and the fascinating variety of plants and animals that make it their home. The self-guided Desert Nature Trail at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center provides an excellent way to get to know the plants that have adapted to living in this demanding environment.
Open-air shuttle buses (operated by Sabino Canyon Tours) and a number of trails provide access to this land of desert oases and rugged mountains. The shuttle buses travel on the paved road along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on nine low-water rock bridges, while drivers tell about the area’s rich history and ecology. A second shuttle provides similar access to Bear Canyon. These two routes pass 89 picnic sites which are scattered along the roadside and clustered at two large group picnic sites. You can get off the shuttle at any of the sites and re-board later.
You may choose to walk along these roads and hike the system of trails that leads deeper into the canyons and high country. Sabino Lake Trail #30 leads to a popular wetland birdwatching spot. Phone Line Trail on the slope south of Sabino Creek provides spectacular views of the canyon.”
But first, we had to go to Quality Bumper and pick up the bike rack part that had finally arrived. After checking the UPS tracking number and finding out that it had been delivered, we called to confirm and were on our way. Interesting...instead of just the base, they sent a whole new arm...I guess it doesn’t come separately.
As we arrived at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, we couldn’t believe how busy it was...vehicles were parked outside the lot, lining the road...even amid all the “No Parking” signs. Well I guess we’ll just have to join them. After parking, we walked back to the park entrance and spoke to the Ranger manning the station. Apparently, it is a holiday in Arizona today...well at least in the Tucson area...so with no school, families are out visiting the canyon. It’s a big weekend here in Tucson...a major Rodeo is happening as well as a Golf Tournament (I don’t think Tiger is doing very well).The Ranger also asked us where we had parked...I guess it really isn’t a good idea to park in the “no parking” area...he said that the Sheriffs will be along today and giving tickets...a $100 ticket we don’t need. So with absolutely no room available in the parking lot...especially for our truck...we decided to forego the Sabino Canyon. We did walk down to the visitors’ area and use the restrooms and then headed back out to the truck. I guess we are going to take a drive to Mt. Lemmon after all.
Mt. Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, located in the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona. It is 9,157 feet (2,791 m) above sea-level, and receives approximately 180 inches of snow annually. We followed the signs to the Catalina Highway and were soon ascending up into the Santa Catalina Mountains from the east side of Tucson. The scenery and magnificent views were absolutely spectacular!
Some beautiful homes at the base of the mountain...
See the road way down there?...
Up and up we go...it took us quite awhile because we stopped at most of the Vistas...as well as just pulling over to let traffic pass...
Summerhaven is a small town near the top of the mountain. It is a summer residence for many but there are some year round residents. There are many small cabins most of which are being rebuilt after the Aspen Fire. Much of this town was devastated by the Aspen Fire of July 2003, and recovery is still taking place.We carried on a little further to Sky Valley, where there was still enough snow for people to ski/snowboard...
We stopped for lunch at the Iron Door Restaurant...
...and then took some pictures before heading back down the mountain...
A bit of a different view on the way down...but pretty much the same stunning scenery and views...
It was 4:30 by the time we got home...a great day with awesome Arizona scenery!
No comments:
Post a Comment