Cargodera Canyon
What to do in Tucson in March? Go take a hike.
One great destination in this area is the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains; there are lots of trails to choose from. Or, you could not use a trail and explore on your own through canyons, gullies, and streams. My wife Erin and I did just that this month with our friends Aaron and Jenny.
The day started at Catalina State Park, just north of Tucson on Oracle Road. We approached the mountains on the Sutherland Trail, which leaves Catalina State Park and ends on top of Mount Lemmon.
After a few miles, we broke off the trail and headed down beautiful Cargodera Canyon to loop back to our starting point. The way back was down the canyon itself hopping rocks and shooting down waterfalls. Due to the amount of spring rain, the way was wet and wild! Lots of wildlife out as well—we saw tracks from raccoon, deer, rabbits, and javelina. Several parts of the canyon showed evidence of recent rock fall and soil collapse which we assumed was from the heavy rains we received in late February and early March.
Near the end of the hike where the canyon meets the Canyon del Oro wash, we saw our first spring field of poppies. It was a great time to be out and enjoy the nice Arizona springtime.
View our photos from Cargodera Canyon.
Beautiful pictures, Lance. It’s looks like you all had fun.