April 20th, 2013 Patagonia to Gardner Canyon TH, (22.4 miles and 3,200 feet of climbing)

This was one of two day hikes I had planned this winter/spring.  After the last three day hike it was a welcome trip, even if it was a bit long.  There are a few nice things about a day hike, first it is over in one day, sleep in a bed, no freeze dried meals etc.  Second, you only have to carry a day pack, much nicer than a backpack with three days worth of supplies.  Lastly, it offered a chance for some friends to join me on the hike.  This was a nice addition and one I also will write about after my May 4th hike.

Great views looking back southeast towards Patagonia

For this hike I was joined by my friends Lillian and her husband Dain and Ernie and his sister Andrea.  But before you begin thinking I hang out with a bunch of other crazies willing to hike 22 miles in a day, my friends are much smarter than I am.

It is amazing where you can find water in AZ

Lillian and Dain dropped me off in Patagonia (beginning point of my hike) and then drove to the ending point (Gardner Canyon TH).  They met Ernie and Andrea there and hiked in from the other side, taking their time, enjoying the scenery.  In fact, Lillian and Dain hiked in about 6 miles, found a nice stream with big shady trees and had lunch and took it easy waiting for me.  (When I finally got there Lillian had found a nice spot formed by the roots/trunk of a large sycamore tree and was napping peacefully.  She says resting, I say napping).  Ernie and Andrea had turned around earlier and we caught them on the way out, not too far from the trailhead parking.

I was a little worried about this hike, it starts with a 14 mile uphill route mostly on a Forest Service Road.  I envisioned lots of vehicles, eating a lot of dust and not much in the way of scenery.  The result was much different, I only saw one vehicle, the scenery was good approaching Mt. Wrightson and the climb was mostly gradual (except for the last portion).

Mt.Wrightson was clearly visible all day.  

When I finally caught up to Lillian and Dain, the remainder of the hike was along an old water line alignment used by miners hoping to find gold in the area.  The remaining walk was relatively flat and easy with great views and interesting history.

One of the other great things about a good day hike like this, we get to stop for Mexican food and beer on the way home.  Ernie knew this great little place in Tucson and we enjoyed a great after hike meal.

History Lesson on the hike!!!

From a distance, those trees look like just another part of the mountain