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Basecamp Tips: Mountain Map Bighorn renaissance T h e m a j e s t i c ungulate disap­ p e a r e d f r o m t h i s r a n g e in t h e late '90s, b u t last November, s t a t e officials relocated 3 0 s h e e p from southwest A r i z o n a t o t h e Pusch Ridge W i l d e r n e s s . The p i l o t s h e e p w e a r s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t GPS collars that t r a n s m i t t h e i r locations i n real-time. Arizona: Santa Catalina Mountai ns The Catalinas tower 6,500 feet above Tucson, providing a cool escape in the summer a n d unlikely snow in the winter. Target these high-desert peaks and canyons to explore a maze of contrasting environments . • Pusch Peak The summit may be rela­ tively low (5,361 feet) and the hike short (3.9 miles round-trip), but don't let that fool you into thinking this jaunt will be easy. You'll climb 2,700 feet, most of it in a quad-searing 1.5 miles, to horizon-to-horizon views of rumpled ridges. From the trailhead near Oro Valley, take the Linda Vista Trail to the Pusch Peak Trail. Scramble up a 14-foot rock chute, home to brown moun­ tain patch-nosed snakes (non-venomous), and top out to views of the Santa Rita and Picacho Mountains. • Buttery Tail Calling a l l naturalists: This route travels through a medley of ecosystems with a huge variety of trees and flowers-not to mention big views and, yes, butterflies. D o it as an easy-plan shuttle for a hilly 5.3-miler. From the upper trailhead of Catalina Highway, follow the Butterfly T a i l 2.3 miles as it meanders down a ravine lined in white pine, bracken fern, orange-flowered but­ terfly weed, and f l y agaric mushrooms with bright red caps and white spots. Near mile 2.5, look for Novio Spring, a shallow crevice lined with round stones and yellow monkey flower. From here, ascend nearly 1,500 feet toward 8,540-foot Mt. Bigelow, then descend .5 mile t o your shuttle car near the Palisade ranger station. • Hutch's Pool Cannonball into a rare oasis, deep and low enough for year-round swimming. It's a popular spot, but enjoy a solitary hike there via the less-used, 6.4-mile (one­ way) route through East Fork Sabino Canyon. From Hirabiyashi Campground, fol­ low the Sycamore Reservoir Trail past the remnants of Sycamore Reservoir, now filled with sand. Around mile 5.4, use stepping stones t o c r o s s 20-foot-wide Sabino Creek, then look right for unmarked side trails lead­ ing.5 mile t o 125-foot-long Hutch's gorge. A waterfall feeds the 15-foot-deep pool ringed by jump-worthy cliffs with a sandy beach at the opposite end. Option: Camp at a small site nearby (no permit needed). • Blackett's Ridge This hike is practically made f o r sunset, with a small climb (2.8 miles) for a big southwest view. Walk .8 mile from the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center t o the Phoneline Trail, then head north through a slice o f Sonoran Desert cov­ ered in lavender, Mexican gold poppy, and 20-foot saguaros. Turn right onto Blackett's Ridge Trail, and gain 1,100 feet in the next mile o n rocky switchbacks adorned with spiky agave shin diggers. The last, steep .4 mile t o the 4,400-foot ridgeline parallels a sheer drop. Watch the sun bathe the 5,323-foot thumb of Thimble Peak to the norh in cotton candy light. Bring a head lamp f o r the hike down. • Lemmon Rock Loop Feel the f u l l effect of a sky island as you drop from the top o f the Catalinas's high­ e s t peak to a jumble o f mas­ sive granite boulders o n this 8.3-mile loop. Start at the 9,093-foot trailhead on Mt. Lemmon's flat and forested summit. Descend 1,700 feet in 3.1 miles through ponderosa and Arizona pine t o house-size hoodoos and towering granite piles known as the Wilderness of Rocks (see left). Wander 2 . 3 miles past boulders shaped like giant cairns to Lemmon Rock Trail. The last leg, straight up the side o f Mt. L e m m o n (1,850 feet in 2 miles), brings you back to a forested alpine zone. Detour . 1 mile west to Lemmon Rock Lookout for unob­ structed drop-off views. Perfec timing Sprmg weather here lasts from late February through April, With little ram and h i g h s around 70°F at the range's b a s e 3 0 B A C K P A C K E R 03.2014