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 Reporter |
Summary: Definately not for the amateur. This hike although short in distance, will carry you up 2000 ft in no time. I strongly recomend very sturdy hiking boots, your venturing into serious ankle breaking territory.However, if properly equipped, this hike will give you plenty to smile about as you scramble up onto 3 seperate peaks before reaching your destination of Pusch Peak. As you start out, be sure and head down the trail on the left side, after about 500 yards you'll come to a fork in the trail, stay to the right on the "main trail". Once you get to the "mileage" marker look to your right (East) and you'll spot the trail leading you into the mountain range, otherwise, you'll end up making a big circle and winding up back at the trailhead. If your not up for a major hike this lower loop does just fine. A pair of climbing gloves is a big help as your going to be scrambling on boulders. Definately intense, but well worth it, your in for a stunning visual experience. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson, follow Oracle Rd, US 89 North into Oro Valley, Turn right (East) on Linda Vista Blvd, the trailhead is approx 1/4 mile in on your right (Lat:32.22 Lon:-110.57) Trail Guides for Pusch Peak: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Catalina Ranger District 520 388 8300 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John McKenna, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jerry on 11/17/2009 Serious hike, extremely pretty, you can make it just about as long and as difficult as you choose. A hiking pole/stick would help. Many options once you get part way up the Pusch Peak trail. This trail is more difficult than Finger Rock: steep, rocky, slippery - but worth the effort. I think it has some of the best views of any in the area. 
Reviewed by DJM on 11/9/2009 Young folks may summit in an hour or two, but it took this 55 year old geezer 3.5 hr up and 3 hr down. Hiking conditions on 11-8-09 were perfect, 60-75 F. Started at 8:15 am and hiked (long pants and gloves) in the shade almost to the top. The summit trail is easy to follow but relentlessly steep. Took many breaks and saw only 3 people past the crossover. Long descent time was due to fatigue and steep grade. Energy bars would have been a good idea to head off fatigue. I packed eight 0.5 L water bottles up and used five, six would have been smarter. Views were gorgeous.
Reviewed by PK Smith on 11/1/2009 This is not your typical sunday afternoon stroll. Take enough water and you will be fine. This trail is not very well marked. If you can, find someone who has made the ascent if possible. Although this is not a long hike it is a challenging one. I went in the spring (mid-march)and the temp was perfect. The view is spectacular so bring a camera. I plan to do it again before years end.
Reviewed by Brock on 2/22/2009 It was a good challenging hike. 2,700 feet in elevation gain don't come easy. However, in the experience of my hiking partner and me, the hike was more simple than previous people reported. We did not need long pants for vegetation, rock climbing gloves, or a detailed map. We just took the left branch (east) at the trail head. Then, the trail with the blank sign up the canyon. Of course, that was just our experience in the winter and other people might want pants, gloves, map, and certainly camera.
Reviewed by Gus D on 12/7/2008 Took us about 1 hour 40 minutes. Trails are not marked that well, do some homework before hiking and get an idea of where you are headed. Long pants are a necessity or you will be full of needles. I wore running shoes, but next time I will definately wear hiking boots. Steep terrain for last 2/3 of hike. Wasn't winded at the top since we took a fairly leisurely pace and took 2 5 minute breaks along with lots of photo taking on the way up. I take my 11 year old son up Camelback in Scottsdale all the time, would not take him up this.
Reviewed by Dusty T. on 10/24/2008 10/23/08 from 2677' to 5361' in 2 miles, a lot of up! 3hrs up, 3rs down, old(63) and slow but a great summit. The ascent was entirely in the shadows of the ridge which made the way up comfortable. Next year in the spring!! 
Reviewed by ERW on 8/25/2008 This is a great hike for a pure leg burning hike. Not much in flora or wildlife, but some excellent views! The trail can be confusing at points, either splitting, or dead ending. Once you have reached the top, you know the general way you will be going. I almost always loose trail in one spot or other. Note that in the canyon (lower section) is where one is likely to loose trail. The upper section is pretty easy to follow. For those who do not know if they got to the top, you will find two USGS markers embedded in two seperate spots about 30 ft. apart at the summit.
Reviewed by TrailRunner on 6/6/2008 Awesome buttkicker of a trail. Not for sissies. Try running up to the top and down to the bottom. Takes 55 min to the top, and 35 min down. Trail is more dangerous going down due to loose gravel and soil. Gloves would helpful next time. You need to know how to soil surf as you WILL slide if you are a runner. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||