In my description of the trails, I use the term “Elevation Gain” It is also used in the Hiking Difficulty Calculator to determine a hike difficulty rating. So just what is elevation gain? Elevation gain can best be described as every time you hike up…

Last week our hiking club took a trip to Prescott Arizona. Our trips are usually to an area that is different than the Tucson area desert hiking! In other words green and with trees! We had planned for 5 hikes but only did 4 of…

REI does not sponsor me in anyway (maybe someday!) I like REi mainly because they have good prices and are great to work with, however I am becoming a bigger fan because of their return policies. I have returned boots, socks and my most recent…

Why do I wear a kilt, you ask. Well I am of Scot/Irish heritage and I like kilts! I do a lot of winter hiking in Arizona, where the winters can get hot. I also hike a lot in Oregon during the summer where it…

Proctor Nature trail is located in Madera Canyon, south of Tucson and east of Green Valley. What a beautiful area nestled in the mountains. Total mileage is 3.0 miles to Rita Lodge and back. The trail starts in the Proctor parking area, just to the…

This loop is made up of 4 trails. Prospector, Ironwood, Kerr Jar and Golden Gate. The distance is 4.0 miles. The trail is rated as a easy trail. It is located in the Tucson Mountain Park, along Kinney road. The parking area for these trail…

Shantz loop is a combinationĀ of of several trails in Saguaro East National Park. Parking area is located at the east end of Broadway street. Once you go through the gate, proceed to the sign in box and sign you or your group in. Be sure…

Gates Pass loop starts at the upper parking lot at the top of Gates Pass. The trail begins behind the shelter, just to the left of the park map. the trail begins descending into the valley immediately. It is rocky and some steps are evident,…