There's no way to get your arms around this one.
Friends of the San Pedro River are leading a hike Saturday morning that starts with what many believe is the state's largest cottonwood tree.
So, just how big is the tree?
Kathryn Ojerio, program manager with Friends of the San Pedro River, couldn't say.
"Oh gosh," she said. "I haven't got the slightest," but instead of finishing her sentence her voice trailed off in awe of the great big tree.
Can she put her arms around it?
"Absolutely not," she said. "There is no way you can get your arms around it."
Those who are curious as to just how big the tree is — or perhaps just want an extra serving of Mother Nature — can do so by attending Saturday's hike. The expedition is about seven miles round trip and is moderately difficult. It begins at 9 a.m., and it costs $5 per person.
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Hikers should meet at the San Pedro River House, which is near Sierra Vista on Arizona 90.
Friends of the San Pedro River is a nonprofit volunteer organization that assists with the stewardship of the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, and the fee supports its efforts.
The trek will begin at the mammoth cottonwood tree, where hikers will have the chance to measure it while basking in its sprawling glory.
Ojerio said she doesn't know how old the tree is, and said that despite its size it had yet to earn a nickname.
She did, however, offer some insight into how it got so big.
"The only thing I could think is that it has optimum growing conditions," she said.
Indeed, lots of water and plenty of sun.
If you go
What: The Big Tree hike.
Where: San Pedro River House.
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.
How much: $5 per person.
How to get there: From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east to the Arizona 90 exit. Take highway 90 south to Sierra Vista and follow it as it turns east leaving Sierra Vista. Just past Milepost 328, turn south into the parking lot.
Contact: For more information, call 520-459-2555.
