16-AUG-2008
Marshall Gulch Creek
Aspen Trail #93 & Marshall Gulch Trail #3 from the National Forest Service
The loop formed by these two trails is one of the most heavily used upper elevation routes into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. This moderate hike leads through an area of diverse habitats that include excellent examples of Canadian Zone riparian areas and ponderosa pine forests. If you’re a bit of an amateur naturalist, you might want to bring a guide to Arizona’s trees as well. You’ll see quite a few different species along this trail which changes aspect and life zones as it loops around a false summit of Marshall Peak. You’ll find aspens here, of course, but you’ll also pass by Douglas-fir and white fir, Gambel and silverleaf oak, madrone and more.
Notable sights along this view-rich trail include the bare granite walls of the uppermost reaches of Sabino Canyon, through which the first half mile or so of the Aspen Trail passes. Along this part of the route the pathway literally sparkles with flakes of mica and quartz. After taking in the wide angle overlooks at Lunch Ledge and Marshall Saddle, both of which include overlooks of the Wilderness of Rock area, towering Lemmon Rock, and Romero Pass, take the Marshall Gulch Trail back to your starting point. It leads down a cool, shady canyon which is usually well stocked with wildflowers and pleasant little pools.
16-AUG-2008
Marshall Gulch Aspen Fire
The village of Summerhaven, atop the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona, is recovering from the devestating fire on Thursday, June 19, 2003. That fire destroyed tens of thousands of acres of forest land and wiped out 325 of 450 structures on the mountain.
The fire was extinguished when the summer monsoon rains finally arrived on July 15. Marshall Gulch was at the edge of the Aspen Fire as seen by this burned out log.
16-AUG-2008
Marshall Gulch Creek
This is looking down from a 15 foot high rock embankment.
16-AUG-2008
Flowers in Marshall Gulch
I'd forgotten the name of this flower, lots of em in the gulch.
16-AUG-2008
Near the Marshall Gulch and Aspen Trail juction.
Some evidence of the fire in this area likely from the Aspen fire.
16-AUG-2008
Rock on the ridge line
This is near the top of the Marshall Gulch trail.
16-AUG-2008
Wilderness of Rock trail
This log is near the top of a twenty foot waterfall.
16-AUG-2008
Wilderness of Rock trail
This is part of a ridge line on the north side of the trail.
16-AUG-2008
Rain drops along the Wilderness of Rock trail