Saguaros stabbing at the sky.
Rugged ridges forming the horizon.
Mesquite trees stoically clinging to life despite exposed roots and gnarled limbs.
Bedrock mortars used by native peoples centuries ago for grinding mesquite pods into meal.
Spectacular sunsets.
These are just a few of the scenic rewards of a short walk on the Ventana Canyon Trail north of Tucson.
For many canyon visitors, the key word there is โshort.โ
Experienced hikers in good physical shape sometimes tackle the entire trail, which extends steeply for 6.4 miles to the site of a rock arch or window (ventana, in Spanish). Thatโs a challenging 12.8-mile round-trip hike involving 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Many of us whoโve made that trek have returned with wonderful memories โ and sore feet.
Sights described in this story can be found by walking only the first mile or two of the trail.
LOOK UP
Stop anywhere along the first mile of the trail and take in views above where youโre standing.
Saguaros stand tall against a sky sometimes blue, sometimes cloudy and sometimes glowing with sunset light. In a few places, clusters of saguaros look a bit like prickly skyscrapers towering over the desert terrain.
Not as tall as the biggest saguaros but still standing out with complex patterns of growth are mesquite trees along the trail.
Beyond the vegetation, the steep rock walls of the lower canyon and ridges high above draw the eye upward all along the way.
LOOK DOWN
There is some amazing scenery on the desert floor along the trail.
Not far from the trailhead, you might spot what appear to be grinding holes on a slab of rock in the middle of the trail. These are the bedrock mortars used by ancient inhabitants of the land for pulverizing mesquite pods into meal.
Exposed roots of native vegetation along the trail have weathered away into almost impossibly twisted shapes.
At one point beside the path, a decaying limb or root looks a bit like a snake curling up and across a large rock.
Shrubs here and there โ just a few feet above the ground โ have produced berries that look like tiny oranges.
CAUTIONS
Even the first two miles of the trail have some steep sections and uneven passages over rocks. Itโs best to wear sturdy hiking shoes and hike with at least one other person.
This is a desert canyon and sun protection is necessary even in cooler weather. Carry plenty of water.
GET TO THE TRAILHEAD
From East Sunrise Drive and North Kolb Road, take Kolb Road north to the signed turnoff for the trailhead and Loews Ventana Canyon Resort at 7000 N. Resort Drive.
Park in the lot designated for hikers. Itโs at the end of an employeesโ lot.
Dogs are prohibited on the trail.
