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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail follows the route of an old road and power line from the Catalina Highway to the site of a now-abandoned prison camp. The camp is gone and the power line poles cut down. The trail follows portions of this old route and provides access to an excellent example of Sonoran desert habitat. As the trail winds up the mountain, it visits a few ridge tops that provide good views back toward the city before dropping into Soldier Canyon, where there are some picturesque waterfalls when the stream is running. The boulder-strewn cascades over which those falls tumble are pleasant to spend a few moments by even when they are dry. Trailhead: Lower trailhead - This trailhead is located on the north side of the Catalina Highway about a mile from the bottom of the mountain. Upper trailhead - Drive up the Catalina Highway to the turnoff into the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site (Old Prison Camp) beyond milepost 7. Turn left and follow the road to a closed gate that marks the trailhead. (Lat:32.30919 Lon:-110.7355) Trail Guides for Soldier Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District - www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado - (520) 749-8700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Benesh, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chris on 4/5/2008 Just hiked this today, this is a good stand by trail. The first 3/4mi for some could be difficult but overall I'd say this is a very tame trail. Lots of rock cairns in the wash section to help navigate if you get lost. Once you get to the actual camp it is an awesome trail run back down!
Reviewed by Art on 1/31/2008 Three of us hiked on Jan 30, 2008. We left one car on the bottom and one on top; we hiked from top to bottom. This trail had very nice winter water flows. The last part is extremely steep. Our suggestion is to hike from the top down to where the level stream bed is, then go back. That place would make an excellent stop for a picnic, and a very nice roundtrip hike 
Reviewed by Tom on 12/20/2007 Hiked this one on Sun., 12-12-07. Difficult to follow in some spots, esp. in a creek bed with water running. (Don't see that every day.) Eventually got back on track and made it to the Prison Camp. I hiked in from the trailhead on lower part of the Mt. Lemmon Highway (no fees!). The views were much more dramatic at the start than the finish, although I did come across more snow further into it (something else you don't see everyday. The climb started out very strenuous (not for wimps!), then levelled out a bit, much to my relief. Not bad.
Reviewed by jerry levy on 1/16/2007 great hike, very challenging. Best to have a pick up or car waiting at Prison camp, never have done a round trip. Frist part of hike is hardest, almost straight up for first 3/4 mile. Beautiful scenary especially toward end. Do not attempt in summer (day)
Reviewed by Chuck on 8/12/2006 as of 8-13-06: The trail has experienced some damage (washed out by the recent rains) but is still negotiable. The biggest damage to the trail is at ~1.3 Miles (32.326, -110.730) where you hike along the stream in Soldier Canyon. The entire trail was washed away. Just follow the stream bed, and watch to the east - you will find the trail again. Beautiful hike - lots of water in the canyon. 
Reviewed by Shane on 2/22/2006 Soldier Trail is an excellent short hike with with amazing views of Soldier Canyon and Tucson. A strenuous climb for most of the way but it is worth it. The canyon is amazing with steep cliffs and although there was no water when I was there the water worn rocks were beautiful. Recommendations: don't be afraid to rest often, the canyon is better when seen without hard breathin and sore legs because the climb is steep when starting at the Southern trailhead. Don't forget the camera, you are going to want pictures!
Reviewed by DRS on 1/21/2006 The Soldier Trail is a nice short hike that offers a strenuous climb, a chance to see some great Sonoran scenery, and some splendid views of Tucson. While many choose to hike this trail from the Southern trailhead (after pulling off the highway), we chose to hike by starting at the Northern trailhead, right by the Old Prison Camp. This route allowed us to descend the trail first and climb our way out, allowing us time to warm up before the strenuous climb. Along the way, we even saw a mule deer! Recommendations: go early in the morning, as this trail can become crowded around mid-day. Additionally, the "three hour" rating is for someone going pretty quickly. If you plan to stop or take pictures, give yourself four hours. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||