Trailblazers are obliviously bored and deceived by the easy stroll along Bear Canyon just before Blacketts Ridge. [photo by Cindy]

Ron, Anna and Scot.

Today is November 5, 2025. Morning low temperature in Tucson is 55 degrees F. Four lion-heart Trailblazers set out to pursue Blacketts Ridge around 09:00 when the temperature soars to upper 60s. Blacketts Ridge is described as Tucson Stairmaster climb that is relentless and heart-thumping with the ultimate reward of a dramatic 360-degree view in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Anna, Scot and Ron are mesmerized by the gorgeous scene from Thimble Peak and beyond in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. [photo by Cindy]

This hike challenges our grit as we journey to Tucson’s version of the top-of-the-world. The hike is about 6 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Most of the ascent happens in the final 1.7 miles where we experience the butt-burner phenomenon. We start at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center parking lot. The first mile is an easy warm-up stroll along the floor of Bear Canyon and Phoneline Trail. The calm-before-the-pain ends when we reached the Blacketts Ridge turnoff. It is practically a straight vertical there after with over 20 rocky switchbacks that feature granite slabs and large boulders to maneuver. Blacketts Ridge is famous for a few deceptive false summits where you are convinced that you have reach The Peak only to see the trail continue onward in a dip-and-rise pattern toward another higher point. The final leg of our adventure follows a high narrow ridge flanked by Sabino Canyon dropping off to the left and Bear Canyon to the right, leaving us with the intense sensation of walking in soaring heights. We finally reach the End of Blacketts Ridge Trail sign where all four of us happily perch ourselves on a rocky ledge overlooking the desert floor of Sabino Canyon, Thimble Peak, and the vastness of Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Our descent back down the same path is effortless compared to the ascension, but we are met with the scorching heat of 80 degrees F on an exposed trail with very little shade. All four Trailblazers enjoy a hearty lunch at Beyond Bread Bakery and Cafe after our inspiring feat of summitting Blacketts Ridge.

Thimble Peak is an iconic landmark of the Santa Cataline Mountains and tops at 5500 feet tall. [photo by Cindy]

The backdrop of metropolis Tucson and its Tucson Mountain Range is a welcoming site along our journey. [photo by Ron]

Can you see Cindy, Anna and Scot on the way down? [photo by Ron]