Ventana Canyon to Maiden Pools (UI)
| Date: | Destination: | Ventana Canyon to Maiden Pools | |||||
| Level: | Upper Intermediate (UI) | Area: | Catalina Mtns. | ||||
| Approx hike distance in miles: | 6 | Hike leader: | |||||
| Low to high elevation gain: | 1350 | Hike leader phone: | |||||
| Accum elevation gain in feet: | 1500 | Hike leader email: | |||||
| Departure time - Union Center parking lot: | Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in | ||||||
| Recommended gas donation: | $10 | ||||||
| Unpaved miles: | None | Park entry fee per vehicle: | No | ||||
| Road conditions: | Good | Website for reference info: | hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1410 | ||||
| High clearance vehicle req'd: | No | Trailhead GPS coordinates: | 32.327997 -110.853035 |
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TRAIL CONDITIONS |
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| Maintained Trail: | Yes | Uneven Footing: | Yes | ||||
| Steep Side Drop-offs: | Yes | Steep Trail: | Yes | ||||
| Off Trail (scratchy): | No | Slippery Trail Surfaces: | Possible | ||||
| Use of Hands Required: | No | Boulder Hopping: | Possible | ||||
| Difficulty : | Strenuous | Water Crossings: | Yes | ||||
| Restrooms at Trailhead: | Yes | Gloves Required: | No | ||||
Special Instructions:
This is an out and back hike starting at the east end of Loews Ventana Resort and borders private land for the first ¾ miles. The first 2 miles are fairly easy with several stream crossings, the last mile consists of steep switchbacks on boulder strewn terrain. After reaching a crest, the trail drops down to the lovely Maiden Pools. Hiking poles are recommended especially if there is water in the stream. This hike offers fabulous views of rock formations, desert flora and the city of Tucson. Bring water, snack and lunch.
Note: There are restrooms in the hotel, but the Resort doesn’t encourage their use.
Directions:
Take Hunt Highway south to AZ 79. Turn south on AZ 79 and travel 45 miles to Oracle Junction. Turn right on AZ 77 for 16 miles and turn left on Ina Road. Travel on Ina Road which becomes Skyline then Sunrise Road for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Kolb Road and drive 1.2 miles then turn right onto Estes Drive. Continue straight to North Resort Drive and follow signs to Ventana Trailhead. The trail parking and trailhead is at the east end of the parking lot.