This was a simple out-and-back (OAB) hike I found quite by accident in the Saguaro National Park West. Since I was unable to connect up with the Beyond-Tucson group for their hike, I decided to set out on my own. Since there were so many well-marked trails and it was still early (8:30am), I chose the Hugh Norris Trail.
Nestled in a canyon in the Tucson Mountains with the Park, this hike gave me the chance to gain some elevation (over 400 feet) in a short distance (1.5 miles OAB). and in less than an hour I took almost 4,000 steps. A happy accident of a hike gave me some spectacular view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. And I was in the middle of a saguaro forest!
I took Gates Pass out and returned via Ajo Way, which took me to I-19 North. the return was preferred as it was a Saturday and the pass was starting to fill up with road cyclists. I didn’t want to be responsible for one of them, too.
At the Park visitor center I was reminded of Morris K. “Mo” Udall, the former Congressman and environmentalist. In these odd days, I miss Mo.
Maybe next time I’ll find the Beyond folks.
Relentless
