We went on a weekend trip to Tucson to visit friends, hike and ride. What normally is a bright and sunny place was gloomy and rainy. The photos didn't come out very well. Those of you going to race the 24 hours should make a stop and hike or ride here. It's worth it for the scenery alone. The trails are a lot like the SFH, but with more rocks and much better scenery. I only took photos of the west side of the park. There are a ton of trails on the east side. This park is the perfect example of true southwest scenery - enjoy.
Here's what it looks like under normal conditions and with snow:
https://www.wanderlustgalleries.com/tmp.html
https://www.wanderlustgalleries.com/tmpsnow.html
On the Yetman Trail - The saguaro are everywhere and most of them are 100+ years old and some go as high as 30 feet.
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Looking back at Golden Gate Mtn. - The Golden Gate Pass saddle in the background is the top of the Yetman Trail and a tough loose climb
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This saguaro is probably 100 or more years old and 20+ feet tall
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One the way up to Golden Gate Pass
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Trailside teddy bear cholla and saguaros
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This is the view from the saddle in the 1st photo and looks southeast towards parts of TMP and the neighborhood where I used to live
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Coming back down from the saddle. The small piece of trail in the far background is from the 2nd photo
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More trailside cholla
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This 5 foot tall saguaro is probably 50 years old
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We don't miss the summer heat, but really miss the AZ desert. This was our house and the perfect starting point for lots of good riding
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Heading up to the Starr Pass saddle with Big Cat Mtn. in the background
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This saddle climb is fairly easy and goes up a wash
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Looking east towards Tucson and the rest of Tucson Mtn. Park. The mountains in the backgound are the Catalinas in the Coronado NF. The 24 hour course is on the far side of the mountains in the far background
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Top of the Starr Pass saddle looking west towards Kitt Peak National Observatory in the far background
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Ocotillo
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We stayed with some friends who live a few house down from our old house - life is tough
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And finally, good local transportation is a must
![]()
Here's what it looks like under normal conditions and with snow:
https://www.wanderlustgalleries.com/tmp.html
https://www.wanderlustgalleries.com/tmpsnow.html
On the Yetman Trail - The saguaro are everywhere and most of them are 100+ years old and some go as high as 30 feet.
Looking back at Golden Gate Mtn. - The Golden Gate Pass saddle in the background is the top of the Yetman Trail and a tough loose climb
This saguaro is probably 100 or more years old and 20+ feet tall
One the way up to Golden Gate Pass
Trailside teddy bear cholla and saguaros
This is the view from the saddle in the 1st photo and looks southeast towards parts of TMP and the neighborhood where I used to live
Coming back down from the saddle. The small piece of trail in the far background is from the 2nd photo
More trailside cholla
This 5 foot tall saguaro is probably 50 years old
We don't miss the summer heat, but really miss the AZ desert. This was our house and the perfect starting point for lots of good riding
Heading up to the Starr Pass saddle with Big Cat Mtn. in the background
This saddle climb is fairly easy and goes up a wash
Looking east towards Tucson and the rest of Tucson Mtn. Park. The mountains in the backgound are the Catalinas in the Coronado NF. The 24 hour course is on the far side of the mountains in the far background
Top of the Starr Pass saddle looking west towards Kitt Peak National Observatory in the far background
Ocotillo
We stayed with some friends who live a few house down from our old house - life is tough
And finally, good local transportation is a must
