Very good loop! Hike up and down both have good views throughout, and the view from the top is very good! Definitely my favorite hike in the park from this trip. Got to the trailhead early to make sure I got a parking spot ( camped nearby at Gilbert Ray). Heard sons birds at the start of the hike and also saw a humming bird. Interesting to see the ocatillo with some leaves after the rain yesterday.
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This hike was Ironwood Trail to right on Picture Rocks Wash, to right on Prophecy Wash Trail, to Prophecy Wash, to Gold Mine, to Cam Boh. It was a 7 mile circle. Much of it was wash which isn’t fun most of the time but the Ironwood and Prophecy trails are awesome. Prophecy is the most beautiful place. Walking all of that wash is worth that section alone. It’s a little tough for the novice (which I am) but it was truly fantastic. You won’t be sorry you did this hike.
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Very well marked and fairly challenging trail. Loose rock all throughout. It wasn’t very busy at all today. I was alone on the way out, and only ran into a few solos and groups on the way back.
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This is a very delightful hike on good trails. Unlike canyon hikes, this hike has minimal rock and boulder scrambles. After a mile long trek from the trailhead on flat, sandy ground the trail climbs to a high ridge where it intersects the Hugh Norris trail. This trail travels on relatively smooth dirt along a high ridge with beautiful long range 360 degree views of the Tucson area. Generous switchbacks moderate the climbs so it’s very comfortable for most hikers.
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Trail to mine was average rocky for the area, some exposure down to a canyon some of the way. Narrower trail than the others we’d been on. The Brittlebrush trail down to the main trail was really tricky- lots of cholla close to the trail and much narrower, not as horse friendly. Also a couple very tricky rocky downhill spots . One I got off for but Dave stayed on and it was ok just seemed too steep. Once down in the wash is was fine, and a relief!
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Total elevation gain occurs in first 1.5 miles or so if going counter clockwise. Nice steps all the way up. After dropping into Dobe Wash trail it’s pretty flat with great scenery back to TH.
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