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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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MLT on 5/12/2012 What a great hike! It was so fun! I definitely didn't bring enough water so make sure you bring more water than you think you need.
Reviewed by Tricia on 4/16/2012 First time hiked to The Window. Beautiful day. Pink flowers along trail beautiful. Trail easy to follow. Snow present at backside of Window. Will repeat this hike soon. Tricia S.
Reviewed by JT on 2/5/2012 meant to add a few more things to my previous review 1) our GPS (iphone's Accuterra app) gave the roundtrip hike as 11.8miles 2) we are training for a Grand Canyon hike later this spring Before our training started or if we were not trying to push the pace, it would have taken us longer than 7 hours, probably significantly more 3) add "of water" after "150oz"
Reviewed by JT on 2/5/2012 Did the hike with my 12yr old son and really enjoyed it. It was his longest hike to date and he did great though it was a pretty intense climb. It took us 7 hours and we were spent when it was over. My favorite section was the ridgeline after the Finger Rock/Esperero trail market and the final climb to reach Window Rock. We brought 150oz between the two of us and used it all. We would have needed more if we hadn't got an early start and hiked up mostly in cooler weather. 
Reviewed by Catalina Hiker on 1/8/2012 Just hiked to the Window again and the trail is still easy to follow. Based upon my gps, the round trip mileage was only 12.3 miles, but I know that much of the route above Maiden Pools has been rerouted due to the soil erosion from the Aspen fire. The trail is definitely steeper in spots due to the erosion, but never too crazy. It's definitely not a beginner hike, but for people experienced with following trails and rock cairns, it's not difficult. As for travel times, 7.5hrs is not unreasonable. I did it in under 6 hours round trip, since it is part of my training. The crowds all converge at Maiden Pools and you only see a couple of people above that landmark. Great trail to enjoy this time of year. 
Reviewed by ms on 1/6/2012 Well, this is a VERY difficult trail. Bolder-strewn, steep, VERYsteep towards the end, and a lot longer than advertised. also, it is completely unsigned once you pass the trail head. you have no way to know how far you have gone. There are several sections with pools. which one is the maiden pools? also, do include the .5 mile from the parking lot to the trailhead! Whatever water you think you will use, double it! if you are going to the window, plan 10 hours at least. anyone that makes it in 7.5 is in GREAT shape, or a LIAR! Beautiful views from the window, but the sad realization of the descent to come takes away much of the reward. a better trip: hike for an hour from the trailhead, have lunch, hike back, enjoy the rest of your day!
Reviewed by jason on 1/2/2012 Hiked today to the Window. Trail is in good condition and was easy to follow all the way to the window. A bit of ice/snow in the last 1/2 mile climb. Beautiful view. If you are taking Esperero Trail back down, it is much more difficult to follow and moderate ice for about a mile while on the backside of the mountain.
Reviewed by Cheeseman on 9/6/2011 Did this hike up to Maiden Pools on 9/4/11. Took about 1:15 to get to Maiden Pools and about an hour back down. There were a few people in the first 2 miles but saw nobody once the trail started up the switchbacks. The first 2 miles were very pretty up the canyon picking up about 600 feet from 3000 feet to 3600 feet. The last 1/2 mile picked up another 700 feet and was more difficult but not terrible and the views down canyon were great. There was no water in the pools but at the end of summer that was expected. Got started about 6:00 am and all of the trip up and much of the trip back was in the shade before the sun crested the canyon. I did go through all the water I brought and you should make sure you have plenty. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
