Blackett’s Ridge in Coronado National Forest, AZ

Hike Blackett’s Ridge Coronado National Forest, AZ

Class 1 5.6 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Mar 10, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Blackett’s Ridge GPX Track

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Blackett's Ridge is a popular trail to a nice viewpoint where you can see Sabino Canyon and Thimble Peak. Blackett's Ridge itself is barely prominent enough to be called a peak, but it's popular due to the very cool narrow-ish ridge and great views, plus because lots of sources call it of the hardest hike in Tucson. Unbelievable. While just a hump along the long Saddleback Ridge, I found it to be a great local hike.

I started from the mega Sabino Canyon parking lot and followed the paved trail leading to the start of the singletrack. After a short time of desert walking I came across the first set of tight switchbacks that ascend the ridge. Sabino Canyon drops off to the left and Bear Canyon to the right. A narrow section of the ridge provides a really nice perspective from the trail and the summit views are expansive.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Blackett's Ridge
4409 ft
329 rise

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From the Sabino Canyon parking lot, heading along a section of paved trail before reaching the singletrack.
From the Sabino Canyon parking lot, heading along a section of paved trail before reaching the singletrack.
Blackett's Ridge Trail.
Blackett's Ridge Trail.
Tight switchbacks to get up the ridge.
Tight switchbacks to get up the ridge.
Some nice views as I get higher up.
Some nice views as I get higher up.
View back into Tucson, AZ.
View back into Tucson, AZ.
Sabino Canyon drops off on the left.
Sabino Canyon drops off on the left.
View back as I get to the higher reaches of the ridge.
View back as I get to the higher reaches of the ridge.
Image 7 from gallery
Thimble Peak appears ahead.
Thimble Peak appears ahead.
Looking back along the most interesting part of the ridge/hike. Sabino Canyon on the right, Bear Canyon on the left.
Looking back along the most interesting part of the ridge/hike. Sabino Canyon on the right, Bear Canyon on the left.
Approaching the Blackett's Ridge summit.
Approaching the Blackett's Ridge summit.
End of Blackett's Ridge Trail. Thimble Peak in the distance, Sabino Canyon below on the left.
End of Blackett's Ridge Trail. Thimble Peak in the distance, Sabino Canyon below on the left.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!