Are you interested in hiking, rock climbing, or caving?

Join our group! Have fun, while deepening your connection to our synagogue community.

If you have an interest in participating, suggestions for activities, or if you would like to lead excursions, please contact Gary Tenen at 520-403-7775 or email MLxana@aol.com

Pima Canyon to Dam

February 12 & February 16, 2025 • 9:30am

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Let’s hike Pima Canyon Trail 3.1 miles to the main dam. Round trip, 6.2 miles, ≈ 1300 feet of accumulated elevation gain. (As a point of reference, this hike has about double the elevation gain as the walk from Sabino Canyon Visitor Center to the end of the road and back.)

We will meet in the parking lot at the trailhead at 9:30 am. Call if you are running late and remember that being a “no-show” is poor hiking etiquette. Also, be advised that there are no facilities at the trailhead.

This is an intermediate-skill hike, so previous hiking experience is a requirement. This is not an easy hike and is not suitable for beginners. Our goal will be the dam at the 3-mile point, with short breaks at 1 and 2 miles. We will stop early if the group prefers, or continue past the dam for further adventure if everyone is having a good time. About the dam…don’t expect a large hydroelectric type of dam – rather, think of a large pile of rocks installed to retain water for wildlife. And given how hot and dry it has been, we will consider ourselves lucky if there is a trickle of water. I have no problem if those in the group who are familiar with the trail wish to hike faster to the break stops.

Pima Canyon trail is a popular trail that goes through some very nice riparian habitat, although at this time of year, there will be little or no water. The trail is well maintained but, as with most trails in Southern Arizona, it is very rocky, rough, uneven, and in close proximity to cacti and other pointy things. Additionally, there are some areas of difficult steepness. Inexperienced hikers might consider sections of the trail treacherous. We will try to maintain an average pace of about 1.75-2.0 miles per hour, which is considered a moderate to fast pace. Please sign up only if you are in good hiking shape and can go at this pace for the entire hike. The duration of the hike will be about 4 hours. We will likely see many other hikers on this excursion. There are no age restrictions for this hike. The group size for this hike is limited to 10 hikers, so please email me ASAP to confirm your interest in participating.

Rain cancels.

ESSENTIALS

• Good shoes, suitable for hiking.

• Sunscreen and a hat.

• A couple of liters of water, minimum.

• Hiking poles if you ordinarily use them.

• Snack or lunch for our respite at the dam.

• Dogs on the trail are prohibited by law, with a $5000 fine.

• The hike leader does not permit tobacco or vaping use, or audible music devices.

This is a Hike at Your Own Risk event. By RSVPing "yes" to this hike you are agreeing not to hold the trip leader or CAI liable for any injury, death, or property loss or damage during the hike, as well as in transit to and from the trailhead.

Contact the trip leader to RSVP or for more information:

Gary Tenen • 520-403-7775 • MLxana@aol.com