Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Hope Camp/Quilter Trail Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
Thursday, March 11, 2021
|
| where |
Tucson, Saguaro National Park East |
| the hike |
This is an undulating desert hike along a route less-traveled in the Rincon Mountain
foothills below Tanque Verde Ridge. We start on the Hope Camp Trail, passing the
old Rondstadt ranch (yes that Rondstadt), then we take the Quilter Trail through an
area of unique McDougal cactus, arriving at an overlook of Helen’s Dome,
Rincon Peak and Mica Mountain.
Views are magnificent along the route. The Quilter Trail was constructed 9 years
ago as a connector to the Arizona Trail.
|
| distance |
12.6 miles |
| time |
7 hours |
| EC |
+-2300' elevation change |
| elevations |
3150' at Hope Camp Trailhead, 4500' at viewpoint |
| type |
round trip |
| starting at |
Loma Alta Trailhead |
| on trail |
100% — Hope Camp and Quilter Trails |
| rating |
"B"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
Bring a National Park Pass or Senior Pass, or pay day use fee of
$10 per vehicle.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Tucson |
| meet |
7:00 AM in Chandler (depart 7:15), south side of the Kohl’s parking lot,
one block south of the 202 San Tan Freeway at the Arizona Avenue exit. (NW
corner of Arizona and Willis). Look for the white Toyota Tundra with Colorado
plates.
|
| drive |
| • |
We will travel south 11.5 miles from Kohls on Arizona Avenue to I-10.
|
| • |
Arizona Avenue will change from Highway 87 to 587 after approximately 5.5 miles.
|
| • |
Turn left on I-10 and proceed 7.5 miles to pit stop at rest area.
|
| • |
After pit stop, continue South on I-10 to exit 279 (Wentworth/Vail Road).
|
| • |
Go north on Vail Road for 3 miles to intersection with Camino Loma Alta.
|
| • |
Take a left here and follow this road approximately 5.5 miles until it ends at
the Loma Alta Trailhead, leading to Hope Camp.
|
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