Before leaving the Tucson Area we wanted to do one more hike through the beautiful Sonoran desert. I feel there is really no better way to practice social distancing than to go hiking. Being outside is good for the soul, the sunshine provides much needed vitamin D and the beauty of nature in the spring is very comforting.
I scoured the web and found a great little hike near the Marriot Resort in SW Tucson. The trail is called the Hidden Canyon Trail and if combined with other trails makes a nice loop with a gentle climb of not too much elevation. We drove over to the trailhead and couldn’t believe the density of Saguaro Cacti is this area… Stunning!
When we parked we were a bit worried about using this hike with regard to social distancing as the parking lot was packed. We elected to go ahead and don our boots and packs feeling we could find a way to distance ourselves with our pace. It is amazing how the mind filled with all the Covid-19 stuff quiets when you are in the midst of such beauty. Now mind you we did this hike on March 14th but I was at that time becoming very concerned about the potential pandemic.
The trail was fairly narrow making it so that when we saw others coming our way we simply got off the trail at least 6 feet away to let them pass. While doing this we scoured the ground to find blooming spring beauties and hidden cacti. This hike ended up being a bit less than 3 miles and there was no charge for entry or for parking making it a great little hike.
That evening we decided that it might be best if we accelerate our travels to Texas as there were several states beginng to impose travel restrictions or lock downs. As a result we thought it best to get to our 13 days stay at Canyon Lake in Texas sooner than later knowing full well we may get booted out of there should they have to close. It looks life for now we are relying on plans B, C and D dependent upon the course of Covid-19…
NOTE: We are currently in sheltering in place at Canyon Lake, Texas…
A beautiful hike, we have not heard of. Altho the coousin no longer lives there you, and others, have given us a lot of reasons to return.
ReplyDeleteBTW - we tried to bike Mission Bay ... it's closed! As are all other city parks and public beaches. It's like Armageddon here :))
Stay Safe!
Yes definitely worth a stay for all the great hiking there...
DeleteWe loved the Canyon Lake area. Great flowers too.
ReplyDeleteSo peaceful here considering the madness now...
DeleteGlad you got to your destination. Hope you are able to stay for the duration of the virus. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHidden Canyon is a great loop hike with a side trip that can be added to the Bowman House which is a neat place. When you get back to Tucson sometime check our blog for info on this hike.
Yes we heard about the house spur after we were done... next time!
DeleteWhat a treasure of a hike, will have to keep it in mind for our next Tucson visit. March 14 was our last dinner out, glad I'm married to a great cook.
ReplyDeleteYes I do feel sorry for those that consume nearly all their meals out... We have always loved to cook at home rather than eat out!
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