Blackett's Ridge Trail

One of the best trails for a quick, steep, fitness-building hike in the Tucson area is Blackett’s Ridge in Sabino Canyon northeast of the city.

It has one daunting — but manageable — challenge at this time of year: It’s in the desert, which gets hot, very hot, in June and beyond.

The key, say hikers who love Blackett’s, is to start very early in the morning so as to finish the hike before the day begins to heat up.

A round-trip trek up and down the trail totals only 6.2 miles, but that “up” part involves nearly 1,700 vertical feet of steep climbing.

After a fairly flat and easygoing start, the trail turns into what a casual walker might call “the little hike from hell.”

The terrain is rocky and rugged, and a series of steep switchbacks midway up the route will hammer home the point that you’re getting a full-on cardio workout if you move at a brisk pace.

Robin Sims, an extremely fit hiker, was still able to exclaim, “Beautiful country!” after ascending the switchbacks.

This is a route on which it’s critically important to carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and be prepared to turn around immediately if the heat becomes a problem.

To reach the trail, take Sabino Canyon Road north to the canyon visitor center and parking lot at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. You’ll pay a $5-per-vehicle fee at the canyon.

Start at the east end of the parking lot and follow a broad, flat path 0.4 of a mile to a road. Turn right on the road and follow it 0.4 of a mile, across a bridge, to the signed start of the Phoneline Trail. Hike 0.6 of a mile on the Phoneline Trail to a junction with the Blackett’s Ridge Trail. From there, it’s 1.7 miles to trail’s end at the top of the ridge. The one-way hike totals 3.1 miles.