Aspen Trail

  High above Tucson on the Mt. Lemmon Highway, you will come to a fork in the road leading to ski valley on the right, and through the tiny village of Summerhaven to the left: Take the left fork.

 In another mile, you will arrive at Marshall Gulch picnic area. A sign in the campground marks the trailhead.

  About 300 foot into the trail, you will see a fork; travel to the right uphill. After ½ mile you will encounter switchbacks firmly placed in a mighty aspen grove. At about 1.5 miles, the switchbacks give way to level ground and you will encounter another fork. A turn to the left takes you to lunch ledge, but should you travel to the right to Marshall Saddle at 8000 ft.

  At this point, four trails converge. Marshall Gulch Campground is to the right and Wilderness of rocks trail to the left. The trail continues straight ahead at the Saddle and grows a bit dim as switchbacks are encountered. In only a short time a good trail will appear and you will arrive at the upper end of the ski lift Aspen Draw trail.

ATTRACTION: Travels through a huge stand of aspen. (Is really beautiful in fall while the leaves change colors)

REQUIREMENTS: 2-hour hiking time one way food, water, rain gear, maps.

LOACATION: Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson

LENGTH: 4.1 mile one way

Information from Hiking Arizona II by Don R Kiefer

R L Gray

Camping/Hiking Editor

Team AZOD