Brilliant light, shadows and saguaros in silhouette are among the visual rewards of a short hike near the end of a winter’s day in Ventana Canyon north of Tucson.
The Ventana Canyon Trail extends steeply for 6.4 miles to the site of a rock arch or window (ventana, in Spanish), but many hikers have found that they need to trek only the first mile or so to get great views in the hours around sunset.
That initial stretch of the trail — which begins at a signed trailhead off North Kolb Road near the entrance to Loews Ventana Canyon resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive — winds through scenic desert terrain hemmed by canyon walls.
Light from the setting sun in the winter months is at an ideal angle to cast red and golden hues across saguaro-studded slopes and rock ridges.
Hawks on patrol for an early dinner are sometimes seen soaring above the cliffs and spires of the canyon.
Be aware that a fairly warm winter day can quickly become quite chilly when the sun sinks behind a ridge and cool air drops quickly into the canyon. A sweater or jacket can come in handy.
It’s important to leave enough time for the return walk to the trailhead before darkness cloaks Ventana.
