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 Reporter |
Summary: A long and strenuous hike to the summit of Mt Kimball. This hike passes through Pima Canyon, one of the most scenic and rugged canyons in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The first 3.2 miles of this hike, up to the Pima Canyon Dam, is one of the more popular hikes in the Catalinas. This portion of the hike is not very steep and serves as a great introductory hike to the Catalinas for novice hikers. The next 2 miles of the trail, up to Pima Spring, starts to get more difficult as the trail becomes rugged and increasingly steeper. The hike to Pima Springs makes for a nice day hike if you are not up for the summit. The final section of the trail is very steep and difficult to follow. Keep and eye open for a metal trail marker pointing to Pima Saddle. From Pima saddle the trail is faint and hard to follow, so watch for the cairns leading to the summit. At the summit of Mt Kimball you will be welll rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the front range. Trailhead: From Tucson drive north on Oracle Road (US 89) until it intersects Magee Road. Turn right (east) on Magee Road. Magee Road dead-ends at a parking area. The Pima Canyon Trailhead, also known as the Iris O. Dewihirst Trailhead, begins at the east end of the parking lot. (Lat:32.35357 Lon:-110.94908) Trail Guides for Mt Kimball: Pima Canyon Trail: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District (520) 749-8700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MPN on 3/20/2006 This is one the most rewarding hikes in Tucson. An above average hiker can make it up and back in around six hours not including rest stops. I would highly recommend hiking up Pima Canyon and down Finger Rock Canyon which obviously requires a car swap, but is worth it as the Pima trail can be a little tricky to follow after Pima Saddle. The trickiest part was just past Pima Saddle for 2 or 3 tenths of a mile (watch carefully for cairns, and take your time), but after that there was little problem with trailfinding. Have fun! 
Reviewed by Liz on 3/21/2005 A friend and I hiked this as part of our spring break. We started the trail at 8:30 or so and were done by 5. With great effort we made it to the summit, however if it was any hotter I don't think I would have made it. I felt that the trail was pretty easy to follow and was in pretty good condition. I greatly recommend this hike, but it's not for the faint at heart.
Reviewed by Linda on 1/16/2005 Hiked in January of 05. Found the canyon to be very green and enjoyable to look at as we were hiking. We started a little late, 11 am so were only able to make it 4 miles into the canyon. We were very pleasantly surprised at the beauty hidden in this canyon and would definitely go again, but leave a little earlier so we can make it to Mt. Kimball and back in one day.
Reviewed by Rich on 12/20/2004 Hiked Jan, 04. Difficult to follow. Trail is not well marked. Need to watch carefully for markers, indicators, etc placed by previous hikers. On both the ascent and the descent it's very easy to follow water runoffs and miss the trail. Suggest using a GPS or other method to make sure you're on the trail on the way down.
Reviewed by Brian on 3/30/2004 Just got back from an overnight stay just below Mt. Kimball with two of my buddies. WOW! Sums it up,this place is amazing. We doubted ourselves a few times, but continued on. With close to 70lbs. on our backs this was hard to do. However, we managed to get within a mile from the top. We found a great campsite with incredible views of Tucson, Oro Valley, Picacho Peak, and the surounding mtns. GREAT TIME! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||