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 Reporter |
Summary: Definately not for the amateur. This hike although short in distance, will carry you up 2000 ft in no time. I strongly recomend very sturdy hiking boots, your venturing into serious ankle breaking territory.However, if properly equipped, this hike will give you plenty to smile about as you scramble up onto 3 seperate peaks before reaching your destination of Pusch Peak. As you start out, be sure and head down the trail on the left side, after about 500 yards you'll come to a fork in the trail, stay to the right on the "main trail". Once you get to the "mileage" marker look to your right (East) and you'll spot the trail leading you into the mountain range, otherwise, you'll end up making a big circle and winding up back at the trailhead. If your not up for a major hike this lower loop does just fine. A pair of climbing gloves is a big help as your going to be scrambling on boulders. Definately intense, but well worth it, your in for a stunning visual experience. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson, follow Oracle Rd, US 89 North into Oro Valley, Turn right (East) on Linda Vista Blvd, the trailhead is approx 1/4 mile in on your right (Lat:32.22 Lon:-110.57) Trail Guides for Pusch Peak: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Catalina Ranger District 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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by ERW on 8/25/2008 This is a great hike for a pure leg burning hike. Not much in flora or wildlife, but some excellent views! The trail can be confusing at points, either splitting, or dead ending. Once you have reached the top, you know the general way you will be going. I almost always loose trail in one spot or other. Note that in the canyon (lower section) is where one is likely to loose trail. The upper section is pretty easy to follow. For those who do not know if they got to the top, you will find two USGS markers embedded in two seperate spots about 30 ft. apart at the summit.
Reviewed by TrailRunner on 6/6/2008 Awesome buttkicker of a trail. Not for sissies. Try running up to the top and down to the bottom. Takes 55 min to the top, and 35 min down. Trail is more dangerous going down due to loose gravel and soil. Gloves would helpful next time. You need to know how to soil surf as you WILL slide if you are a runner. 
Reviewed by Tom on 12/31/2007 Hiked this one yesterday. Got to the top, in spite of a number of obstacles. These include erroneous and faulty info from a number of sources, distracting side paths and general unpreparedness. The views were spectactular! Execllent photo ops, too! The trail needs maintenance and USFS should post info on this hike, seeing the whole area rests in Coronado Nat'l Forest.
Reviewed by RB on 12/31/2007 Hiked Dec 30,2007 Great hike...did it with my two teenage kids, and had a great time. Definite test of strength and endurance. Will do it again.
Reviewed by Chris on 11/23/2007 Visited Tucson over Thanksgiving break from Colorado. Good hike. Trail not very well marked from Linda Vista Trail. I ended up hiking an extra 7/10 of a mile before getting to the Pusch Peak trail head. Despite the extra milage I peaked in 1 hr and 40 minutes (started the timer from the parking lot). Gloves and pants recommended due to I was pulling catcus needles out after the hike. I would hike this in future visits. This was my second favorite Tucson area hike right behind Picacho Peak.
Reviewed by Kyle on 11/15/2007 My friends and I have hiked this hike many times before. Every time we highly enjoyed the strenuous intense terrain! It took us 2 hours to get to the second peak, and another half an hour more to push on up to the third peak. Bring extra water, once we out of water on top of peak 2 and we headed down and made it back fine but a little dehydrate but alive. We call this hike the knobs as a personal nick name. On the way to peak 3 make sure you keep good hand holds, because some rock climbing may be needed.
Reviewed by gene on 11/10/2007 difficult trail. not marked well. definitely wear good hiking boots and not sneaks. also recommend long pants if not too hot-there are many prickly cacti and barbed plants on the trail. gloves are also good. very steep last climb to pusch peak (2-2.5 hrs for most mortals), but the views are some of the best in the valley.
Reviewed by Linda on 11/5/2007 My daughter and I hiked the strenuous, but beautiful Pusch Peak trail today, November 5, 2007. The vistas were breathtaking as was the ascent! This really is the best time of year in the desert to do something as physically taxing as this trail is. We are glad we did it, and I'm only 60 years old! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||