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 Reporter |
Summary: The hike begins on a dirt road, that leads past an occupied ranch house, and into a stream bed. Once you come to the stream bed, begin to look for a trail marker. Once you locate the trail marker, continue to follow this trail all the way up the saddle. The trail will cross back and forth the streambed, so make sure you always stay on the trail. After 2 hours of hiking, you will be on the west side of Baboquivari Peak. The trail will lead you up a gully and on to Lions Ledge. Lions Ledge, is the horizontal tree line, that goes across this enormous rock face. Once your on Lions Ledge, continue to walk South, until you come to a natural spring of water. This is a good turn around point, and bring your water filter to replenish your water supply. The spring usually has water during the spring season. The views are breathtaking and the solitude is perfect. A strenuous hike, but well worth it. Trailhead: From Tucson, head east on I-10 and merge west (right) onto 1-19. Travel on 1-19 until you turn west (right) on Highway 86 (Ajo Way) Stay on Highway 86 until Three Point Junction (Highway 286). At Highway 286 turn South (left) and remain on this road for approx. 28 miles. Take your first right after milepost 16 on to a dirt road. Remain on this road until you get to a fork in the road, and turn right. Continue down dirt road until you get to a gate that is labeled Baboquivari Peak hike. Park your car here. **The dirt road is a private road, that allows access to the trail, so respect the land and property. (Lat:31.74921 Lon:-111.58023) Trail Guides for Baboquivari - Hike to Lions Ledge: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Backcountry Rockclimbing in Southern Arizona by Bob Kerry () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Baboquivari District 520- 383-3808 or 520-383-2366 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Lawrence Knight, who has posted 5 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by crazydave on 1/26/2007 Incredible views, indescribably grand. Pure solitude -- no one else on hike entire day I was there, or around for miles. The dirt road back to it is harsh, fit for jeeps, almost unable to drive car on it in some spots. Trail very confused in a few spots - be prepared for possibility of getting lost. Took me 6 hours to complete, and I'm not out-of-shape. Lots of slippery gravel/rocks. Losing sight of the trail & then having sun go down would be a nightmare, as almost happened to me. Very difficult terrain to bushwhack, steep & slippery & filled with cactuses.
Reviewed by mysticwildman on 10/9/2006 This trail features some very beautiful views and has a great vibe, but is very challenging at times due to overgrowth of vegetation. The trail is not well defined in spots, so we were forced to back track a few times and thorns left us both with scratched up arms. Probably best done later in the season. We are thankful for being able to do this hike. 
Reviewed by James DeRoussel on 4/24/2006 As of April 2006, the trail from the ranch in Thomas Canyon (east of Baboquivari)has recieved some maintenance and is fairly easy to follow all the way to the saddle or to lion's ledge. Thanks to whomever took the time to clear that trail a bit.
Reviewed by Vic on 11/11/2005 Did it twice in the early 80's. to the top on the first trip, camped on Lions Ledge on the second trip. Fantastic trips with good friends. Bring your camera because the view from the top is GREAT.
Reviewed by Bob Kerry on 10/3/2005 This is a great hike but not easy to do. In October 2005 the trail from the ranch in Thomas Canyon was overgrown with tall 5-foot high yellow flower bushes. They were very pretty, unfortunately there was also a growth of false mesquite under the flowers about two to three feet high in many place with sharp thorns that left my legs bloody. Finally, a fair number of oak boughs had broken off onto the trail obscuring it further. The net result was we bushwhacked most of the way up the drainage. We did the whole thing in daylight but we kept moving.
Reviewed by Larry on 8/13/2004 I never hiked the Lions Ledge, but I did hike/scramble up around back (west side) to the top in the early nineties. Climbing is not difficult but exposed. There was no one around and the panaoramic view of southern AZ was incredible. I think I would have to rate it right up there in my top 10 all time favorite hikes. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||