AZT Part 3: Saguaro NP to Molino Basin
Day 9 | March 30, 2022
16.5 Miles
We entered Saguaro National Park and spent most of the day climbing up and over the Rincon Mountains.
In the lower elevations of the park, we hiked beneath some of the world's greatest saguaro stands. These iconic cacti are unique to the Sonoran Desert and a special feature of the AZT.
I liked being with a small group, but I knew it would soon change. Shade and Studio had been talking excitedly about going to Tucson for Studio's birthday, and even though I selfishly and relentlessly tried to persuade them to skip Tucson and keep hiking with me and Aladdin, it was clear that their minds were already made up.
The four of us spread out over the course of a 14-mile climb with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain. Along the way we hiked through six different biotic communities: desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodlands, pine–oak woodlands, pine forests, and mixed-conifer forests.
The higher I climbed, the colder and snowier it became and I started worrying about getting to warmer temperatures before dark.
After passing Manning Camp, I reached a high point and a trail junction. A sign pointed straight for the AZT (and the descent to warmth), and left for a .2 mile side trail to reach the top of Mica Mountain, the highest peak in the Rincon Mountains.
If the side trail had been half a mile or more one-way, I would have kept walking straight, no question. But since it was half that distance, I felt obligated. So, while my fingers were freezing and sunset hours were rapidly approaching, I couldn't resist.
A few minutes later, I had reached the summit and laughed at the less than scenic view. There were no good lookout points and the scenery was the same as the tree-covered trail I came from. I signed the trail register at the top to prove to the hiking lords that I summited, then I hurried back to the junction to descend the north side.
After a series of switchbacks, the trees thinned, revealing expansive views of a vast and rugged landscape.
It was getting dark fast, but I had to keep going. Since I didn't have a backcountry permit for Saguaro National Park, I had to make my way past the park's boundary, which was still miles away.
As I descended further, the temperature rose, and my pace naturally quickened. In the midst of this, Aladdin texted me asking where I was, and I learned that he was just two miles ahead. After spending most of the day alone, the idea of camping with friends sounded appealing. With renewed enthusiasm, I continued down the trail, moving closer to Aladdin's location.
Then, as if by fate, I turned a corner and came to an abrupt halt. Before me unfolded a perfectly picturesque campsite amidst a breathtaking vista. Under a small tree, nestled against a giant boulder at the cliff's edge, lay a flat tent spot that offered a perfect retreat. As I stood there, a brief sense of loneliness washed over me, accompanied by a longing to be camping with friends. Nevertheless, I knew that this campsite was too good to pass up.
I put down my pack, texted Aladdin about my plan, and started setting up my tent. As I settled into the campsite, I marveled at the natural beauty surrounding me. My solitude became a time for introspection, and I embraced the tranquility of the moment.
Watching the sun set in the distance, casting a warm glow over the landscape, I knew that this campsite would become a cherished memory.
After dinner, I crawled into my tent and thought about Shade and Studio who were still behind me and should have caught up by now. I texted Shade. He responded quickly revealing that they were camping less than half a mile behind me. In a display of their closeness, Shade let out a powerful howl that echoed through the air. With a smile, I answered his call, "Ahh-wooooooooooooooo!", releasing my own fierce howl into the darkness. I felt unbounded, free, and deeply connected at the same time.
Day 10 | March 31, 2022
15.5 Miles
In the morning, Shade and Studio hiked down to my campsite where we made coffee and enjoyed the view.
After coffee, we packed up and continued our descent of the Rincon Mountains, entering the transition zone between the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains.
The trail crossed Caliente Creek with shady, large cottonwood trees and a seasonal flow of water.
Then, we hiked through more rolling hills and ended the day with a short, steep climb to a saddle above Molino Basin.
The climb ended with panoramic views of the Rincon Mountains to the east, Sabino Canyon to the west, and Mount Lemmon's sheer cliffs to the north-northwest. There was also another perfect campsite, too good to pass up. It was early in the evening and the sky was still light, but we decided to stay and cowboy camp on the saddle.
Day 11 | April 1, 2022
2 Miles
In two days it would be Studio's birthday and our current campsite was less than a mile above a road leading to Tucson. After breakfast, I continued to try to talk them out of going, but we clearly were not on the same page. Studio was excited to lay in a real bed surrounded by alcohol, take-out, and television. So, when I proposed hiking 35 miles in a day to celebrate every year of his life instead of taking a zero, it was laughed at.
I felt conflicted. I'd grown attached to my new friends, but Tucson was far away, and I wasn't ready to go into town. We were having a great time hiking together, and I hated to part ways so soon.
As we descended towards the road, Studio's laughter persisted, growing louder as he pondered my proposal. He chuckled and exclaimed, "No way am I going to spend my birthday hiking 35 miles!" It was clear that he had made up his mind. He acknowledged and admired my ambitious suggestion, expressing a desire to hike together again in the future. However, his mind was firmly set on celebrating in a different manner—one that involved zero hiking and 35 hours of pure relaxation in a hotel room, indulging in city food and beer.
While my idea was losing traction (not that it ever had any) suddenly, his celebration idea was starting to sound good.
The road was the perfect place to say goodbye, but instead of walking away, I stood beside them and stuck out my thumb. Spontaneity baby! Haiku and Daddy got to the road soon after us. We were surprised to see them and excited by their instant enthusiasm at coming to town with us.
Our first stop in Tucson was at a Mexican restaurant. Next, we went to the grocery store to stock up on supplies. Then, after that, Haiku and Daddy decided to make their way back to the trail, while Studio, Shade, and I made our way to a hotel to celebrate Shade's birthday and relax.
