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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike will take you one the summit of one of the Santa Catalina Mtns most prominent summits. If hiked in its entirety this trail is one of the most difficult trails in southern Arizona. The hike can be partitioned into three legs; the first leg lead (approximately 3 miles) ends at a prominent saddle called Cardiac Gap. The next leg follows Esperero Canyon to Bridalveil falls (5/12 miles). The first two legs are well documented in the reference and make for a great destination or turnaround point. The last leg of the hike is the most difficult. It is very steep, overgrown, and can be extremely difficult to navigate. Follow the faint trail above Bridalveil fall for 0.9 miles to a signed intersection, go east. Follow cairns for 1.1 miles to a saddle. At the saddle head west up the steep faint trail marked with cairns to the base of the prominent cliff band to the north (0.9 mile), look for more cairns leading to summit. Cathedral Rock is the highpoint. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson, take Speedway Blvd to Wilmot Road, follow Wilmot north as it changes to Tanque Verde Road. Follow Tanque Verde to Sabino Canyon Road, follow signs to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and amusement park. It will cost you at least $5.00 to park your car here. (Lat:32.31667 Lon:-110.8222) Trail Guides for Cathedral Rock: Esperero Trail: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District (520) 749-8700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tranmere R. on 3/21/2008 Great Hike. Past the falls it is easy to notice hardly anyone attempts to summit as the trail is in terrible condition. On the final rock climbing portion the trailmarkers can disappear for a while making it hard to navigate. All the burnt trees on top make this trail seem impossible during the summer as there is hardly any form of shade.
Reviewed by Tim on 11/26/2007 I hiked this trail last weekend. It was my second attempt as the warm weather (93 degrees over Halloween) made me turn back last month. The hike to Bridal Falls is pretty straight forward, just watch for the trail when it goes in and out of the creek bed, hiking up the creek (dry) is much more difficult than the trails that parallel it. After the falls it is a heck of bushwack most of the way. The trail is really overgrown and hard to follow in many parts. The hike took us 12 hours round trip but we probably had an hour off trail in each direction. After doing the hike, I said I don't ever want to do it again, but 1 day later I'm already looking at other trails in the area. 
Reviewed by Marc on 9/9/2005 Trail is fun and up and down. You can make this a loop if you catch up to rattlesnake road and come down to the west of sabino canyon.
Reviewed by Robert on 12/15/2004 I've hiked this trail many times and I truly enjoy the scenery. The trail is difficult to follow past the saddle and from camping up there I've noticed a few people who hike the trail as a loop to Ventana Canyon. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||