Date Hiked: 9/1/07
Total Mileage: 3 miles
Elevation Change: Campground is at 4,500'
Last Saturday we decided to get back into hiking with a relatively easy hike along part of the Arizona Trail, starting at Molino Basin. This trail was at a much lower elevation than our usual hiking adventures and also benefited from being fairly level. What we did not take into consideration was the increased sun exposure - about halfway in I started to feel really tired and dizzy, probably a combination of the sun and not enough water or sunscreen. Our original plan to hike to Prison Camp and continue along Soldier Trail was scrapped and we turned around about 1.5 miles in.
Despite our sun-difficulties (I should know better!) we enjoyed this hike a lot and will be back to explore further! Getting started on the trail...Look for the signpost for the Arizona Trail at the south end of the parking lot, it's a bit confusing keeping on the trail out of the campground...try to stay to the left at the first few forks. In addition, the recent monsoons mean that much of the grass and vegetation has overgrown the trail so keep an eye out for more signposts to show you the way. Once you hit a few hills it gets easier to follow.
Despite being so close to the Catalina Highway this trail takes you into some interesting landscape and we didn't feel like we were at all close to civilization! No noise from cars, no 'city smells', nothing...and keep in mind this was Labor Day weekend!
