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 Reporter |
Summary: This is one of the "Must See" hikes in the area, if your in town for a short while and want a hike with spectaculer views of the Coronado National Forrest, then you have to do this one. After you park your car in the lot, walk over to the Bear Canyon trailhead, it will be off to the right of the visitors center. Shortly after you start the hike you will come to a paved tram road, turn right and walk along the paved tram road until you come to a small building, cross the bridge to your right and start out along the Phoneline trail, very shortly you'll see the trailhead sign for Blacketts Ridge Trail. This trail will give you all your eyes generally need of the wonderful mountainous terrain we have here in Tucson. At the top you'll have inreadible views of Thimble Peak to the Northeast and an awsome view of the Phoneline Trail way down below. Bring the camera and gets some awsome shots of you and your hiking partner atop of one of the highest peaks in the Park. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson take Oracle Road North to Ina Road, turn right (east) and stay on Ina road as it will change names, it will become Skyline Road and then Sunrise Road. Simply stay on this until you run out of road, you will come to an intersection called Sabino Canyon Road , turn left (north) and pull imediately into Sabino Canyon Recreation Area which will be on your imediate right. pay the fee to park your car and ask for the Bear Canyon Trailhead. (Lat:32.19 Lon:-110.49) Trail Guides for Blacketts Ridge: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Companey) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest 520 388 8300 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John McKenna, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Joel on 4/29/2009 One of the best training runs/hike in the Tucson area. To acheive your best time, you should run the entire road and at least to the Blacketts sign, about .4 mile up the Phoneline trail. Select your spots to run after that. However, once you hit the false summit just before Saddleback, the trail flattens out somewhat, making the last few minutes relatively easy to run. My best time so far is 33 minutes and 16 seconds from the parking lot to the Blacketts summit sign. DO NOT attempt to run down at a fast pace. The trail is too rough. Lastly, if you only time going up, you can stay at the summit a while and enjoy one of the best views in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Wishing you much success! 
Reviewed by J on 2/20/2009 Great hike! So beautiful once you get to the top!
Reviewed by DHC on 12/27/2008 My father in law is visiting for the holiday. My son and daughter are 8 and 7 years old...We all took off up the trail....It was awesome...Mofar (Erik) had a great time...Beautiful and great workout...
Reviewed by NJ on 4/6/2008 Very nice hike. At sun down you get a great view of the sunset. I think this hike is bit less than 7 miles and there are some steep stretches. Great view of both sides of the canyon up at the top. Encountered a snake on the trail not sure what kind it was. Tail was whitish and was at least over 4 feet and moved lightning fast. Met another person who claimed thats a very poison snake that turns to green as it gets older and there is a quite a few of them up there. Either way it was a great hike. I wish i had a flashlight so i could have enjoyed the sunset at the summit.
Reviewed by ken on 4/3/2008 I walked it today, April 3rd. I find it challenging but rewarding. Mighty nice views at the top. Gila monsters seemed to resent the human intruders.
Reviewed by Katie on 1/26/2008 Very nice, very beautiful!! Not as bad as WAsson Peak... hard but not bad... if your in somewhat decent shape, you'll be able to handle it! :)
Reviewed by Chuck on 12/26/2007 Very nice hike the day after Christmas. Beautiful day, no wind, and a good trail. Our family had a blast up there today. Spectacular views at the top (and the whole way up!)
Reviewed by Chris on 11/13/2007 Good hike for exercising, especially going from the parking lot to the top in less than an hour in 105 degree heat. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||