Pontatoc Canyon Trail

Pontatoc Canyon Trail
Pusch Ridge Wilderness,
Santa Catalina Mountains,
Pima Co., Arizona

Hiking Trails: Pontatoc Canyon Trail

Total Time: 1:15 hours
Estimated Distance: 1.5 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Points of Interest: Mountains, Desert, and Cactus
Pros: Beautiful Desert Hike
Cons: Houses at trailhead take away from the natural feel

I had traveled out West to Arizona and California during February, and I took some time at the end of the day to take a nice but short hike in the Santa Catalina Mountains. These mountains are large and full of large saguaro cactus. The sun set at the end of the hike, providing fantastic photo opportunities.

I parked at the  trailhead on Alvernon Way, and took the Pontatoc Canyon Trail about 2/3 of the way, a little bit after where it crosses the stream. (I wanted to take it further to the end, but ran out of time as I was racing against the sunset.) The stream was mostly dry but had sporadic trickles and pools. Upon realizing how dark it was getting I turned around and headed back the same way.

Map of the Route

At the Trailhead

Santa Catalina Mountains Desert Scene.
Note the Sharp Blue Sky in this Picture and the One Below

Large Saguaro Cacti

A Pool of Water in the Stream

This is a Fascinating Picture:
There is a Hummingbird Atop the Bush.
I had to Block the Sun with a Cactus to get this Shot

Looking in the Direction Of Finger Rock

Sunset Between Two Sagauro Cacti

Sonoran Desert Sunset

The Sun Setting Drenching the Mountains with Warm Color.
The Color is Natural and not Enhanced.

Saguaro Cactus in a Desert Sunset

I Love this Moon Show with the Full Moon Rising 

Another Moon Shot Over the Desert