|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 2 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tom on 12/31/2007 Hiked this one yesterday. Got to the top, in spite of a number of obstacles. These include erroneous and faulty info from a number of sources, distracting side paths and general unpreparedness. The views were spectactular! Execllent photo ops, too! The trail needs maintenance and USFS should post info on this hike, seeing the whole area rests in Coronado Nat'l Forest.
Reviewed by RB on 12/31/2007 Hiked Dec 30,2007 Great hike...did it with my two teenage kids, and had a great time. Definite test of strength and endurance. Will do it again.
Reviewed by Chris on 11/23/2007 Visited Tucson over Thanksgiving break from Colorado. Good hike. Trail not very well marked from Linda Vista Trail. I ended up hiking an extra 7/10 of a mile before getting to the Pusch Peak trail head. Despite the extra milage I peaked in 1 hr and 40 minutes (started the timer from the parking lot). Gloves and pants recommended due to I was pulling catcus needles out after the hike. I would hike this in future visits. This was my second favorite Tucson area hike right behind Picacho Peak. 
Reviewed by Kyle on 11/15/2007 My friends and I have hiked this hike many times before. Every time we highly enjoyed the strenuous intense terrain! It took us 2 hours to get to the second peak, and another half an hour more to push on up to the third peak. Bring extra water, once we out of water on top of peak 2 and we headed down and made it back fine but a little dehydrate but alive. We call this hike the knobs as a personal nick name. On the way to peak 3 make sure you keep good hand holds, because some rock climbing may be needed.
Reviewed by gene on 11/10/2007 difficult trail. not marked well. definitely wear good hiking boots and not sneaks. also recommend long pants if not too hot-there are many prickly cacti and barbed plants on the trail. gloves are also good. very steep last climb to pusch peak (2-2.5 hrs for most mortals), but the views are some of the best in the valley.
Reviewed by Linda on 11/5/2007 My daughter and I hiked the strenuous, but beautiful Pusch Peak trail today, November 5, 2007. The vistas were breathtaking as was the ascent! This really is the best time of year in the desert to do something as physically taxing as this trail is. We are glad we did it, and I'm only 60 years old!
Reviewed by Dan on 11/2/2007 If you only went 1.5 hours you didn't get to the top. I would say that 2-2.5 to the top is moving it. There is a nice peak about an hour in, but that is only about 1/3 of the way up. This is a great butt kicker going up, and plain treacherous on the way down. Bring more water than you think, as this hike is deceptively challenging. The views are worth it. If you are not sure if your at the top, look for the "Pusch Peak" serveyors' cap. There are two of them on top. Beter plan on a 4.5 to 5 hour round trip from Linda Vista trail head, unless your a freak of nature.
Reviewed by Lisa on 10/21/2007 great hike. after some research online, found out that you actually climb 2681 instead of the 2000 written above. start at 2680 and end at 5361. we went with normal running shoes that got extremely beat up, hiking shoes would have been much better. bring gloves, to help steady yourself on the way down scrambling over rocks. hike took me a lot longer than 3 hrs... apparently not as in shape as those who make it in 3. (there's also a little suprise at the top of the mountain!) 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||