Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AFTERNOON MIST ON THE ASPEN TRAIL
The Aspen Trail climbs very gently, then flattens after it leaves Marshall Saddle.
After several hundred yards, the trail swings southeast and then east as it contours
around Marshall Peak (about 8,300 feet) to the left of the trail. There is no path to
the elongated, wooded summit, though adventurous hikers could bushwhack up there.
Most hikers look toward the right of the trail, where they can glimpse Tucson to the
south and southwest through the trees. Look for unsigned side trails leaving the Aspen
Trail to the right to gain better views of Tucson.
Continuing east on the Aspen Trail, you'll climb to the high point of the loop,
although it's hard to tell which is the highest point as the trail undulates through the
forest. The last mile swings around to the north and drops, sometimes steeply, with
views of the cliffs of the uppermost reaches of Sabino Canyon to the right; again, un-
signed short side trails will give better views. As you hike through this last section,
look around for quartz and mica specks, which glisten on a sunny day.
The trail tumbles down to the Marshall Gulch parking area. If you prefer hiking
the trail clockwise, in reverse of this description, you'll find a sign for Aspen Trail
#93 at the south end of the parking area, from which it climbs steeply to the south
before swinging around to the west.
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