Hike leads to splendors of the Sonoran Desert

One good option: Make a beeline for Sabino Canyon and lead your guests on a loop taking in a segment of the Esperero Trail, the Rattlesnake Trail and a short stretch of the canyon road.

Along the way you’ll show them grand stands of saguaros, a prickly array of other cacti and desert trees, some remnant wildflowers that hang on deep into December, Sabino Creek lined with trees in autumn foliage, craggy ridges of the Catalina Mountains, birds, and possibly other wildlife, including deer.

The trek amounts to a short course — Desert 101 — that unfolds over about 2½ miles of walking, with shorter options available. And your visitors will be able to boast: “Hey, I hiked on the Rattlesnake Trail — the Rattlesnake Trail! — when I was in Arizona.”

GET STARTED

You will find trailheads near the Sabino Canyon visitor center at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee, and be aware that the large parking lot can fill up early in the winter.

Consider a quick stop in the visitor center to pick up a trail map and get some information about the canyon.

HIT THE TRAIL

Many routes in the canyon — including a walk up the main canyon road — will take you to spectacular scenery. To follow our suggested itinerary, begin by following a broad path that begins at the southeastern end of the parking lot.

Walk a short way east, pass a signed turnoff for the Bajada Loop Nature Trail, and continue briefly to a signed left turnoff for the Esperero Trail.

The first half-mile of the trail is essentially flat, easy going. Views along the way open up to high ridges of the Catalina Mountains towering over the canyon, and you’ll pass a diverse array of stately saguaros, desert trees and perhaps a few remnant yellow wildflower blooms.

The trail crosses a service road and the Lower Sabino Canyon Road before intersecting the main canyon road. Just across the road, the Esperero Trail continues.

AN UPHILL STRETCH

The second half-mile of the Esperero Trail includes a fairly short, but rather steep, uphill stretch. If some members of your party aren’t able or willing to tackle the grade, it’s possible simply to reverse the route and return to the trailhead — or follow the main canyon road back to the visitor center.

Those who choose to continue up the Esperero Trail soon reach a broad ridge with overlook points affording splendid views down at the watercourse of Sabino Creek and up at steep cliffs above the canyon.

RATTLESNAKE TRAIL

After a mile of walking on the Esperero Trail, hikers reach a signed junction with the Rattlesnake Trail. From the junction, it’s possible to continue on the Esperero Trail high into the Catalina Mountains — but that’s a journey for another day.

Our Desert 101 route turns off the Esperero Trail and follows the Rattlesnake Trail 0.6 of a mile east to the main canyon road.

The junction, with its Rattlesnake Trail sign, is an excellent place to pull out your best rattlesnake sighting stories and perhaps issue some sobering advice about keeping an eye out for rattlers. These and other snakes can be seen at any time of year, but it’s not common to find them out and about on cool winter days.

Trekking — ever so watchfully — down this stretch of trail takes hikers through a usually dry wash and along the base of steep slopes topped with some enormous, shapely saguaros.

ALONG SABINO CREEK

When the Rattlesnake Trail reaches the canyon road, turn right and follow the road along something your visitors might not expect: a stream flowing in the desert.

Sabino Creek carries runoff water from high in the Catalina Mountains, and that water supports an array of stream-side vegetation, including tall cottonwood trees.

Those trees and other vegetation along the creek often retain their autumn-hued leaves through most of December.

After half a mile or so of walking on the road, which is closed to private motor vehicles, watch for the Esperero Trail on your left — the same segment you hiked earlier in the day.

From this point you have options: Simply follow the road back to the visitor center and parking lot — or hike back on the half-mile segment of the Esperero Trail.

One good reason to take the trail option: You’re more likely to spot deer or other wildlife, especially if you happen to be returning in the hours near sunset.