Hike near Oracle - part 1

This was our first hike in 2017, and we decided to drive up to Oracle because Sandi prefers hikes that don't have a large amount of elevation gain, and especially doesn't like trails that go along steep hills or cliffs. Sandi does like "big sky" views though of sweeping panoramas, and so the trail that I had hiked the previous year ending in Oracle seemed to fit the bill.

The trail is located next to a short water tower along cody loop road, about half a mile south of the turnoff from the Lemmon mountain road in the east side of Oracle.

There is a small two car parking area right near the trailhead where we parked.

It was a beautiful day about 60F, but with the sunshine, it felt like about 75 with the breeze.

There were some hikers who had trouble navigating the Arizona trail (AZT) near Oracle. This is quite understandable, as the sineage is not as clear and understandable as one might wish for.

The route was very scenic, with mostly high desert and mountains in the distance along the route.

The trail gained about 500 feet, but it was very gradual, and not oppressive at all.

We arrived at about 12:30 just after noon, and we hiked about 2 miles round trip for about an hour or so of hiking. I would have been ok with a longer hike, but we were both getting hungry, so we turned around and headed back to the car.

Overall it was a very pleasant hike.