SOTA - SUMMITS ON THE AIR
ELEPHANT HEAD - W7A/SC-022
Directions to Elephant Head:
Take I-19 South from Tucson, pass through Sahuarita and Green Valley to the Canoa Rd. exit #56.
Work through the roundabout and pass under the freeway overpass, pull into the dirt lot on the right at the frontage rd.
At this point, set your odometer to Zero.
On the Frontage Rd. travel South about 3.2miles, Turn Left on Elephant Head Rd.
Continue East on Elephant Head Rd. to odometer 4.7miles - (You will pass over the Santa Cruz River bridge lined with American Flags), at 4.7miles on your odometer Turn Right onto Mt. Hopkins Rd.
Continue East on Mt. Hopkins Rd, when your odometer reads about 10.3miles you will turn Left on the dirt road FSR183 (Blink and you will miss it as I did the day prior - Miss this turn and you will enjoy a nice view of the telescopes ahead and then continue on a well maintained single lane dirt road up the mountain..... A nice scenic drive, but not where you want to be at this time (Also, no cell service on this mountain rd.)
Proceed North on FSR183 dirt road (Suggest you drive a truck or vehicle with some clearance, 2wd was fine for us at this time 4/2020)
At about 12.7miles on your odometer (From the Freeway and Frontage Rd exit 56) you will notice a very large Oak Tree on the right with a large area to park. This is your starting point. Elevation here is 4510'.
Walk back down the dirt road to the left, maybe 50' - TRAIL 930 is marked and on your right.
This is start of a very long day. At least for us. As we were working SOTA (Summits On The Air) W7A/SC-022. Our back packs were a little on the heavy side at about 25lbs. Temp. today was 45* to start with a high of 74* expected. Our Start time was 6:42am. Pictured is my son Douglas KI7LLD and my Brother Estell KI7OFN. Carrying 1 gallon of water split between two bags, first aid kit, plenty of energy snacks, knife, pistol and emergency (red) blanket. Note we had cell service much of the time and sent texts with current location embedded into the picture with the app. Theodolite. Of course we have our Ham Radios - VHF-UHF-HF capabilities (I carry a Kenwood D74 handheld as well as an 857d with remote battery and ATAS120 Antenna - I can always reach someone) Once in the canyon I could not reach EAARS Repeater or Green Valley and Patagonia. Win System repeater was solid. Did not try 2m 146.52fm while hiking, but we should have tested it as we got local contacts on the peak. If you enjoy the outdoors and another level of safety and/or communication you should look into the Ham Radio Hobby, a Technician license is an easy way to get started. Another way to add to your outdoor adventure is to participate in Summits On The Air - SOTA... Its addicting.
From this point it is a casual hike, just right for getting the body warmed up. A short distance ahead you will pass a stream (Was running in April, pooled just to right of our crossing and disappearing in the sand). Trail will rise somewhat as you work your way up and to the North-West for just over a half mile. Once you crest the first saddle at 4807'.
From this point, you will work your way down hill as the trail heads north. Note that Little Elephant head will be on your left. Through out the hike you will notice several CAIRN'S other hikers have placed along the path, we found these were a great place to stop and gather our bearings. Repair them while you take a break. This trail drops you into CHINO BASIN, at the bottom this path dead ends into another path running East/West. There is a CAIRN here, But more pronounced is the Bush/Hedge like prickly pear cactus. You have been on the trail for 1mile at this point. Remember this point for you return trip. Make a RIGHT turn at this point (West) on the Quantrell Mine Rd.
Continue on the Quantrell Mine Rd. This trail starts working back up the mountain slope, not steep but a steady rocky trail that is somewhat maintained. Do your part and move any of the falling rocks off the path.
Next stop (With Shade....) is the old mine shaft. Located at about 2miles from your start. You are at 4520'. Looks like others have camped at this spot with a couple of fresh fire rings still in place.
Interesting fact, it is currently April 10th 2020, the nation, actually the world is dealing with the COVID19 virus (AKA Corona Virus or as President Trump refers to as the China Virus or Wuhan Virus as that is where it all started). Interesting as the Quantrell Mine was built by Chinese Laborers in about 1907 and today we are hiking, practicing social separation due to the COVID19 Chinese Virus. As we checked out the mine shaft area, we noticed someone had carved out a COVID19 Marker dated 03.20.2020. I added my Elephant as well, will be placed on the peak. We left the marker for the next lucky hiker to enjoy.
Continue on the trail West. This part of the trail gets a little narrow and lots of loose rock and works it way upward. You don't want to trip or miss-step here and take a tumble off the trail into the canyon.
Work your way up as the trail turns North-East. You have a great view of Elephant Head.
Look for the CAIRN on your left to mark the trail into the canyon. You are at 4960'.
Some advice here. You are about to drop down a steep trail some 500', loose rock, narrow, cactus, shin daggers, century plants and a large number of chances for a serious injury. Once at the bottom you have to work your way up the other side of the canyon on a trail that is maybe half as nice as this one.
This is where I took a tumble. Was stepping off a good sized transitional step, lost my balance, spun around, off the step and onto the trail and my back below. Arms and hands bleeding, solid blow to the head and a sore back. This could have been much worse, impacted the rest of my hike. At this point on the trail I would suggest you check your gear and put on a good pair of gloves (I did not).
Along the trail into the deep canyon. Beautiful red flowers
At the bottom of the trail, base of the canyon the trail leads you right to a nice place to take a power nap, grab something to eat and drink. The water was flowing, very cool and clear. I took this opportunity to pull the cactus out of my arms and hands, clean up, apply some antibiotic cream and prepare to climb the other side towards the saddle. The trail is just on the other side of the stream.
Now, start the 500' climb up the other side of this canyon North.
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