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 Reporter |
Summary: The steep trail up Ventana Canyon ends at the Window; a 15 by 25 foot arch at the top of one of the peaks in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The trail follows the length of the canyon between sheer cliffs with a continually expanding panoramic view of the Tucson valley below. As you climb higher into the canyon the trail becomes increasingly more difficult to follow through the thick overgrowth. The trail follows a stream bed most of the way. It is dry for the better part of the year, but water can be found in several pools through early summer. One of the larger systems of pools, the Maiden Pools, has pools large enough to swim in. At about 2-miles to go, the Window pops into view as you approach a clearing in the trees. Beyond this point is the most difficult part of the hike. Steep terrain and difficult trail finding are required before you can enjoy the incredible vistas through the Window. Trailhead: In Tucson, starting at the intersection of Speedway and Wilmot, follow Wilmot North. Wilmot Road turns into Tanque Verde at Pima Road. Follow Tanque Verde to Sabino Canyon Road. Turn left on Sabino Canyon Road and follow for 3.7 miles to Kolb Road. Turn left on Kolb and follow until you reach the Lowe's Ventana Canyon Resort. Enter the resort and look for the employee parking lot and a sign for the trailhead. There is a small parking lot near the trailhead. (Lat:32.32928 Lon:-110.85656) Trail Guides for Ventana Canyon: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, 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 Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tom on 2/29/2008 I hiked this one on Mon., 2/25. The trail descriptions I downloaded/printed from the Sierra Club and USFS websites were vague and inaccurate, to say the least. The trail DOES NOT GO TO THE WINDOW, but rather the intersection of the Esperero and Finger Rock trails. Better invest in some maps, since these trail descriptions are BS! Although I got irritated with the whole situation, the scenery was breathtaking and the hiking strenuous. The next day, I called the ranger station and let them know they need to update a few things... 
Reviewed by Raquel on 2/22/2008 Hiked this trail yesterday, 2-21-08. It is one of the most diverse trails in this area; a combination of desert, waterfalls, trees and some brush grass closer to the top. Yesterday the waterfalls were exquiste. Some with a heavy flow of water. We thoroughly enjoyed this hike to the Ventana. The Karyns are really helpful to keep on track.
Reviewed by Kevin on 2/20/2008 I hiked this trail on 2-18-08 and what a great workout as it has been six years since the last time I conquered this trail. The creek has a good flow so it was slow in crossing it in order to keep feet dry. With the recent rain and snowfall, there were many beautiful waterfalls along the way. The saddle before the final ascent to THE WINDOW is where I started encountering alot of snow, knee deep in some spots, which made the going real slow. THE WINDOW allows you to look down toward the city where the trail starts and rewards you with views of a journey well done. I will be back! 
Reviewed by Rudi on 2/14/2008 Feb '08 great trail, fantastic views. Twenty minutes in and the outside world is gone. I had nice warm weather with water in the stream and pools. Definately will be back.
Reviewed by Karl on 12/31/2007 Lower canyon fairly easy, beautiful, just like walking through a movie set. Gets pretty difficult a third of the way in, very rocky terain. As you get higher in the canyon the views are incredible. Lots of water in the creek, probably from snow melt. Last mile or so to the window was all snow and ice, very treacherous! Was actually dissapointed with the window, views are not that great considering the effort to get there. Bring a flashlight in winter! I got caught in total darkness on the way back with a mile left to go, pretty scary when you're by yourself. It can get pitch black in the canyon even if the sun hasn't completly set! Only saw two people the entire time, took me about 9hrs to hike out and back. I am very sore now :)
Reviewed by Rob on 12/20/2007 This hike was absolutely breathtaking very pleasant view all the time crossing the river many times kept things interesting as well. I can not wait to get back there my wife is looking forward to it as well must thank her for bringing me there it was a work related trip
Reviewed by R.P.Betancourt on 8/4/2007 Reviewed by slightly overweight intermediate hiker: Hiked this trail while at Loews Ventana Canyon during a business trip to Tucson. Only time to make it to the Maiden Pools -excellent hike! Streneous rating is accurate. Pay close attention to cairns and weather. I live on east coast and am not used to using cairns as markers (they can blend in and easily be overlooked). Hiked during monsoon season with daily flooding in town. Easy to see riverbed (Arroyo?) flash flooding quickly. Spectacular views. 
Reviewed by Scott100678 on 4/9/2007 I hiked this trail alone on April 7, 2007. The window itself was fantastic. I only wish I could have stayed longer at the top. There was a small bit of water in Maiden Pools. The trail was very easy to follow. Past the pools there were only a handfull of other hikers. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||