KVOA.com

Hittin' the Trails 4 You: Jeff's 4 toughest hikes in southern Arizona

Share This Video

URL

Embed

Iframe

 

close

+ SHARE

Views:

${title} Views: ${media:community.statistics.views} Rating: ${media:community.starRating.average} ${created}

Prev Next

News Articles

Posted 6:10 AM 4/27/2012 : Hittin' the Trails 4 You: Jeff's 4 toughest hikes in southern Arizona

TUCSON - This morning on News 4 Tucson Today, Meteorologist Jeff Beamish unveiled his list of the four toughest hikes in southern Arizona.

The 4th biggest leg burning hike resides in Sabino Canyon, at a trail named Blackett's Ridge.

Hikers say it's a moderate to borderline strenuous hike & that you have to be in decent shape to get up the trail.

After two hours of switchbacking a climbing up 1,500 feet, you reach the peak, which affords 360 degree views.

The 3rd toughest hike also resides in Sabino Canyon, with the Esperero Trail. Locals say this trail reminds them of the Finger Rock Trail, but is not as difficult.

Regardless, you'll gain a whopping 4,000 feet in elevation. There are some flat spots, allowing you to catch your breath.

Picacho Peak is home to the 2nd toughest hike: the short & steep Hunter Trail.

"Come out and be prepared that you're going to have to work it up there. It was a little bit of a butt-burner at times", said one hiker.

Over a two mile stretch, you'll climb up 1,700 feet, sometimes using cables. Expect over an hour hike to the summit, with a 40 minute decent back to the parking lot.

The toughest hike in southern Arizona? Look no further than Finger Rock.

"Uphill, lots of kickbacks and switchbacks. There's a part up there that you have to free climb, use your hands and feet.", said one hiker about the Finger Rock Trail.

Long and steep, this 6 hour hike nets almost 4,000 feet in elevation. It's worth it though, as the views of Tucson below are second to none.

Click here for directions & a trail map for Blackett's Ridge.

Click here for directions & a trail map for the Esperero Trail.

Click here for directions & a trail map for Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail.

Click here for directions & a trail map for the Finger Rock Trail.

Recent Videos