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 Reporter |
Summary: The steep trail up Ventana Canyon ends at the Window; a 15 by 25 foot arch at the top of one of the peaks in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The trail follows the length of the canyon between sheer cliffs with a continually expanding panoramic view of the Tucson valley below. As you climb higher into the canyon the trail becomes increasingly more difficult to follow through the thick overgrowth. The trail follows a stream bed most of the way. It is dry for the better part of the year, but water can be found in several pools through early summer. One of the larger systems of pools, the Maiden Pools, has pools large enough to swim in. At about 2-miles to go, the Window pops into view as you approach a clearing in the trees. Beyond this point is the most difficult part of the hike. Steep terrain and difficult trail finding are required before you can enjoy the incredible vistas through the Window. Trailhead: In Tucson, starting at the intersection of Speedway and Wilmot, follow Wilmot North. Wilmot Road turns into Tanque Verde at Pima Road. Follow Tanque Verde to Sabino Canyon Road. Turn left on Sabino Canyon Road and follow for 3.7 miles to Kolb Road. Turn left on Kolb and follow until you reach the Lowe's Ventana Canyon Resort. Enter the resort and look for the employee parking lot and a sign for the trailhead. There is a small parking lot near the trailhead. (Lat:32.32928 Lon:-110.85656) Trail Guides for Ventana Canyon: 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 Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by michael e. on 7/16/2009 One of my favorites in the entire area...especially for bringing someone along who doesn't normally hike and isn't sure they can make it. Be prepared for mutiny. It is strenuous (& generally gets steeper as it goes) but soldier on and it unfailingly rewards. (I work with at-risk teens and this trail has proven invaluable in teaching so much in a single day.) There is almost never anyone else at the window (or even much past Maiden Pools), and it is a little hard to find, so it provides a uniquely secluded-feeling dramatic vista from which to reflect on personal victories :) 
Reviewed by Sarah A. on 4/26/2009 Trail from Ventana trailhead to The Window has been completely cleared and re-built with nice stairs in some spaces, erosion control and thoughtful design. Had a fellow hiker tell me that the new maintainance shaved off two hours of his hiking time. Enjoy!
Reviewed by AMR on 3/27/2009 Hiked this today with family adf friend and it was difficult but amazing. ALthough past reports indicate the last 1.2 miles as difficult and overgrown, this part of the trail had had some serious rebuilding. The underbrush in the last 1.2 has been removed and stone stairs built into the switchbacks. The window is easy to pass. Once you take the right at the trail intersection you hike a very steep area, then an easier saddle and it gets steep again. As you begin to hug the canyon walls when it gets steep again look carefully for a small unmarked trail to the right...if in doubt take it anyway and suddenly the window is right there!
Reviewed by Tom on 1/31/2009 I re-hiked this on Memorial Day, 2008. Made it to the Window, too. Froze my honeybuns off in the chilly wind on an unseasonably cool day. Awesome views and fanstasic formation! According to some calcuations I made from billborad-style trailhead signs on the Mt. Lemmon Hwy, the RT for Ventana came out to 15.2 mi., not 12.8. Sounds more accurate for a 10 hr excursion at an average walking speed of 1.5 mph, incl. a half-hr lunch break.
Reviewed by Ken on 11/10/2008 Tom, this is an awesome hike! you were 1.2 miles short of the window ! Once you reach the intersection go west ! The maps are correct, however I will admit I passed it my first time since there is no sign at the window and there is alot of brush in front of the window. Good luck !
Reviewed by Debbie on 10/28/2008 I hiked this trail yesterday on 10-27-08. The trail was really overgrown and wished I had wore pants. The views are spectacular and the hike was a great workout. The karyns made the hike alot easier though I still lost the trail a few times. The view of Catalina and the Biosphere from the ridge we awesome. Gives you a sense of accomplishment to be able to see Tucson and Catalina at the same time. Will do this hike again. 
Reviewed by Tom on 2/29/2008 I hiked this one on Mon., 2/25. The trail descriptions I downloaded/printed from the Sierra Club and USFS websites were vague and inaccurate, to say the least. The trail DOES NOT GO TO THE WINDOW, but rather the intersection of the Esperero and Finger Rock trails. Better invest in some maps, since these trail descriptions are BS! Although I got irritated with the whole situation, the scenery was breathtaking and the hiking strenuous. The next day, I called the ranger station and let them know they need to update a few things...
Reviewed by Raquel on 2/22/2008 Hiked this trail yesterday, 2-21-08. It is one of the most diverse trails in this area; a combination of desert, waterfalls, trees and some brush grass closer to the top. Yesterday the waterfalls were exquiste. Some with a heavy flow of water. We thoroughly enjoyed this hike to the Ventana. The Karyns are really helpful to keep on track. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||