We planned for today a long hike on Oracle Ridge Trail on Mt Lemmon. But between the many stops on the way trying to find a national pass unsuccessfully at both Casa Grande NM (it is free now so no pass sales) and Palisades Visitor Center on Mt Lemmon (they were sold out!) and at Hirabayashi Campground to search for the Montezuma Quail we arrived only around 3 PM at the trailhead. Still we decide to explore at least for a while as the parking area is empty hinting to a wild and interesting trail.
While the parking is empty of people it is not empty of wildlife. We see both a cliff chipmunk and a rock wren doing the rounds around the parking lot, quite cute.
The trailhead sign is an older one with lots of useful information including distances and other trails in the area. And then we are on our way – it is 2.5 miles to Dan’s Saddle and we have to go down and then come back up, should be easy enough? The trail is relatively level in the beginning with some nice views into the surrounding valley.
It is also well maintained, based on the cutting we estimate that someone maintained the trail relatively recent. There is even some fall color on the surrounding ridges enticing us to stop to take photos almost at all times.
There was a fire that passed through this area relatively recent as evidenced by the many burned trees along the way. As such there is no tree cover and there are lots of flowers and bushes along the trail.
And birds, there are quite a few birds. From hawks to green tailed towhees, yellow eyed juncos that are flitting through the undergrowth and the big bonus of a (likely) Chihuahuan Meadowlark, a new species split only this year from the Eastern Meadowlark
The trail now follow the ridge as it descents gently at first with some nice views on both sides.
At this point we start seeing Biosphere 2 in the distance, it looks quite out of place among the wilderness but it is something we would like to visit at some point.
The farther we go from the trailhead the less maintained the trail is. One section is through some dense brush with only a faint idea of the path to follow so we are happy that soon after the trail deposits us on a dirt road that descends down to Dan’s Saddle.
The main purpose of the road is to serve the mine which doesn’t seem to be functional anywhere. We are happy about it as we can continue on the road instead of the trail, a bit longer but much faster.
Even on the road we can see lots of birds including hummingbirds, towhees and lots of white crowned sparrows.
And then we are at Dan’s Saddle after quite a serious descent, especially on the road. There is an Arizona Trail sign here, the only one on the whole stretch telling us that we followed it and an interesting mechanical construct that according to the sign is supposed to monitor floods in the area?! We find the cache nearby easily and then it is time to return back up to our car.
And up it is, we are quite exhausted as we reach the actual trail. At least the views are great so we can enjoy them while we catch our breath during the climb.
The trail continues the climb but at a gentler pace while the darkness sets in and we enjoy a beautiful sunset. However in the back we can see lightning in the distance so on we go faster to ensure we don’t get rained on especially as we reach the ridge and the trail becomes more level. The last mile is in total darkness but with the help of the headlights it is a fast one and soon we are back at the car ready for the three hour return to Phoenix after a beautiful day on the mountain.
