High HO, High HO, it's up the mountain we go !

We have been hiking a ton the last few days. Friday we did a morning hike lead by a ranger in Saguaro NP east side. We were the only two that showed that day so it was a private 6 mile hike, along the Douglas Springs trail and out to Steel Tank and back.

Near the full moon the parks do sunset hikes. Friday we joined a small group and hiked to Wasson's Peak in Saguaro NP West unit. This is the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains at 4,687 ft. It was a 1700 ft elevation gain from the trailhead. At the peak you get a 360 degree view of the area. It was an 8 mile hike (round trip) and we were back in under 6 hours. Coming back on the switchbacks and steep drop offs by the light of the moon was a different experience. One has to step carefully as your depth perception is a little bit compromised in this light.

Dave ? looking at Tucson from the Wasson's Peak trail.

Looking at Tucson and the Catalina Mountains from Wasson's Peak