Pontatoc Canyon

Pontatoc Canyon

A day hike to an overlook above Ventana Canyon. The trail begins by gently climbing through rugged country populated by saguaros, prickly pears, and palo verdes. There are early views of the vertical rock faces of Prominent Point, including a distinctive formation known as Finger Rock. The hillsides steepen around Pontatoc Canyon, and the towering walls of Pontatoc Ridge rise to imposing heights straight ahead. The trail crosses the canyon floor and makes a brief climb onto the shoulders of Pontatoc Ridge. High on these slopes, the Pontatoc Ridge trail splits away to the right, while the Pontatoc Canyon trail drops back to the watercourse. This is followed by a hard ascent up the far wall of the canyon, and the saguaros fall away to be replaced by lechuguilla and upland shrubs. From the heights, one can look out over the Tucson basin, rimmed by the volcanic Tucson Mountains. Beyond this range, the distant Sierritas and Baboquivaris

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