Hike Blackette's Ridge

Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Don't worry about how busy it seems - most of the people you see are probably only going as far as the dam or picnic areas. There is a good chance that you'll have the top all to yourself especially if you go on a weekday.

When you hit the paved tram road you'll need to take a right and keep walking until you come to the small restroom building. You'll want to take the bridge to your right. As soon as you cross the bridge you'll hop on the Phoneline Trail for a short distance until you reach the sign for Blackette's Ridge. This trail will switchback up the ridge fooling you a few times into thinking that you're almost there only to see what you thought was the top is not even close.

Once you do get to the end of the trail you have a view on your left down into Sabino Canyon, on your right down into Bear Canyon. The appropriately named Thimble Peak is in front of you. The whole way back down the ridge you have a really nice view of the city below.

Make sure you plan according to our weather here in Tucson. There is no shade on this hike. If you are going to do this hike during the summer make sure you start early in the morning so that you aren't hiking in the heat.