Brown Mountain—A View of Tucson’s Geological History
Susan Hollis, Nancy Lehman, Karen Munn, Dale Lehman, Bruce Sabulsky, Ginger Privette, Yvette Sabulsky, Arlene Daigle, and guide Karen Gray on Brown Mountain (photo by Randy Park)
Karen Gray
Nov. 10 was a cool, crisp morning—perfect weather to hike Brown Mountain in the Tucson Mountains. Ten eager hikers prepared to enjoy the many ups and downs and the views of the extent of this enormous volcano. The eruption that formed Brown Mountain and the rest of the Tucson Mountain range was about 200 times larger than Mount St. Helens and formed 70 million years ago.
As the group hiked, temperature rose quickly, or perhaps it was the exertion of the several fairly steep climbs incurred. They removed extra layers before reaching the first high point. Views of Kitt Peak to the southeast and beyond to the Silver Bells and other mountain ranges reminded them that Tucson is surrounded by mountains. After reaching the picnic area, everyone was ready for lunch. They returned to the cars by a loop trail that follows the alluvial fan at the base of the mountain. Everyone enjoyed the hike, the good company of other hikers, and the perfect weather.
Sabino Canyon in the Fall
Hikers enjoy running water and fall colors along Sabino Creek. (Photo by Ruth Caldwell)
Ruth Caldwell
Fall comes a little later to the riparian area of Sabino Canyon. A rainy weekend made for a wonderful, cloudy Monday hike for 13 SaddleBrooke hikers. Sabino Creek was flowing fast. The Bluff Loop is a favorite during the fall. The cottonwoods and ash trees were in full color, and the hikers enjoyed nature’s show!
This trail overlooks Sabino Creek and offers high views of the surrounding area. Hikers brought cameras and employed them in every direction on this hike of 3.1 miles.
What a wonderful treasure we have just on the other side of the Catalina Mountains.