Beauty of Seven Falls

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Brown Mountain Trail in the Tucson Mountains

Beautiful desert views
We hiked The Brown Mountain Trail on our last outing.   There were 9of us along for the hike, Judy, Ernie, Danielle, Dave, JoAnn, LaNeta, Linda, Kirk, and myself.  We headed out at 8:00 a.m. to perfect weather for hiking – slightly cool and sunny.
Valley views
Alright - starting the climb
The trail is approximately 5 miles long round trip with a 350 ft. elevation gain.  The guidebooks always just give you the highest elevation gain on the trail that you will have to climb.  Sometimes you climb to that elevation more than once.  In the case of the Brown Mountain Trail, it reaches that height a total of 3 times.  It is listed in the guidebooks as a moderate hike and I would have to agree with that. 
Linda, Kirk and LaNeta checking the sights
LaNeta and Joann















Even though we have done this trail before, what keep our hikes fresh and new and exciting are the people.  We have one of the most interesting and diverse group anyone could ever hope for.  Everyone brings different experiences and history to discuss along the trails.
Another new member - Abadaba


We saw many saguaro, prickly pear, and jumping cholla and ocotillo cactus.  There’s not much color out there on the trails this time of year, so any little splash of color gets lots of comments.  One of the best things about the Brown Mountain Trail is the surrounding views.  





              
We hiked the trail in reverse of how we usually do it.  We stared out at the picnic area and it was pretty level hiking and gradually climbed.  I have to say I think I like this way better.  It probably added another half mile or so to the hike, but not an issue at all.  We seemed to get a different view altogether, and I for one, was not a bit tired by the time we stopped for our lunch break.  It’s always nice to learn new things, even as little as when a well known hike is done a different way.  Thanks Ernie! 
Happy hiker - happy cactus!
Ernie leading the way
















That Cougar Trail sign is always getting people in trouble!
Judy
 

Abadaba
Lunch break - one of my favorite parts of the hike....
Except when Abadaba swipes my PB&J

Scenic mountain views....

One of many saguaros we saw with twisted arms

This one seems especially happy to see us

Another wonderful hike under our camelbacks!  Can't wait til the next one.

Exhaustion sets in
See you on the trails....