October 6-8, 2012, Gabe Zimmerman TH to Molina Basin TH (about 51 miles and 9,000 feet of climbing)

Yes, you read that right, 9,000 feet of climbing!!!  And this was just outside of Tucson.  Go figure.

This is another great example of how you never know what to expect on these AZT hikes.  This trip featured a dry water source, 3 rattlesnakes, a climb from hell on day two and then at the end a 1,000 foot climb only three miles from the end.  (At times I believe this trail has been laid out just to punish those that attempt to complete it).

Day one was a great stroll along the high desert outside of Tuscon.  It was warm, but I had my water sources planned well (I knew this hike had some water challenges buuuuut).  When I came to the campground that was supposed to have a reliable water source I soon found out how my trip might play out.  There was a boy scout group setting up camp for the weekend.  I asked one of the leaders where the water spigot was?  He then began to explain how the water line was broken and had not been fixed yet?  That was not good news to me.  Water was available about two miles back on the trail, or about half way through day two, neither of which sounded like viable options.

Luckily, the scouts had extra water and offered me enough to fill up.  Unfortunately I did not get to hydrate like I normally would, so this day was long and hot.

This is Hope Camp, just inside the Park Boundaries.  Camp is a misnomer, since they don't let you camp here even with a permit.  

This hike takes you through Saguaro National Park.  Great place, but they have camping permits for only select camp areas.  Logistically, its is 17+ miles through the park, it made planning this trip a bit of a challenge.  I stayed the first night just outside the park boundaries.

Start of the climb on Day 2

Day two was the climb from hell.  About 5,000 feet.  I told some friends that there were ants passing me on the trail.  Saw three rattlesnakes none of them too happy to see me.  The water situation was better than I expected though so that made for a little more enjoyable day.  You get to pass through Manning Camp a wonderful Forest Service set up at 8,000 feet.  You can camp here with a permit, but for me it would have made for a very long day three hike. I stopped here to fill water and eat an early dinner, then hiked a few more miles before stopping.

This was one of the campgrounds "Grass Shack"  If you want remote camping this is your spot

These two photos are from Manning Camp.  Forest Service folks stay here when they are working in the area.  There are canvass huts in the back that hikers can use.  I think the shortest hike in to here is about 10 or 12 miles, so not like your typical Holiday Inn.  

This is what happens when you don't pay enough attention to your GPS.  I hiked about a quarter of a mile extra uphill to get this photo.  I'm still a slow learner.  

Day three was downhill and then rolling trail until the end.  The last climb was a bit**.  And only three miles from the end of the hike.  Mentally and physically challenging.  At one point I thought I'd just lay off the side of the trail and hope someone would come along some day and find me!!!!