December 2, 2022 - Rock Wren and Yetman Trail

See Alltrails for hike details

Eleven hikers congregated at Richard E. Genser, Starr Pass Trailhead in Tucson Mountain Park. Rock Wren Trail is a rocky trail that winds up into the mountains past some rocks with ionized copper. We spotted small areas of exploration of this copper along the first part of the trail. Starr Pass Trail veers off to the left, but we stay on Rock Wren. 

The trail becomes a series of switchbacks and then levels off to provide delightful views of the Tucson area and mountains beyond. Saguaro, buckhorn cholla, and a few fish hook barrel cactus, along with various plants native to the Sonoran Desert like Brittlebush, JoJoba and Palo Verde. 

At the junction of Rock Wren and Yetman, we turn right onto Yetman Trail. Looking back in the Valley, there is a large green flat area. Many hikers speculate about what this is. It turns out to be the Clearview Reservoir with a green cover. 

The Yetman Trail intersects with an unmarked trail. Here we veer slightly to the right, taking us down the hill. This leads into a wash and we wind our way to a sign with an arrow showing the way to the Bowen Homestead on Yetman Trail. The structure has stone walls with two fireplaces, one for the kitchen and one for the living area. Windows provide a frame for a nature picture of the mountains beyond. The Bowen family moved from Illinois to Tucson in 1928 and lived here until 1943 when they moved to New York City. Tucson Mountain Park purchased the house, and they integrated it into the park in 1983.

This is where we ate our lunch, each sitting on a window ledge. After some conversation, we headed back to the trailhead. The weather was about 74 degrees, with no wind and a clear sky. We hiked six miles. The porta potties near the trailhead were not desirable, and we hope they have different ones the next time we hike in this area. 

Jerry's pictures 

An easy to moderate hike of approximately 6 miles total, in and out through desert landscapes, between hills and over saddles with a good mix of vegetation and some scenic views. There are large areas of Saguaro Cactus on the way and some good stands of Cholla as well. At about 3 miles of hiking, we will come to the Bowen homestead and see the stone house that was built for his wife in 1931.  It's still a pretty impressive structure and this is where we will have lunch and turn around to head back.  

Directions to Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead

Set your GPS for 3800 West Starr Pass Blvd. however you will travel a mile short of this address. (explained later!)

Exit left onto Henness from Palm Creek and left at Florence Blvd. Continue to I-10 and turn right at the exit for Tucson. Continue on I-10 east for 64 miles to exit 259, Starr Pass Blvd. Use the right lane to exit I-10 and merge onto W Starr Pass Blvd. Continue 3.9 miles on Starr Pass Blvd. towards Tucson Mountain Park where you will go just beyond South Plaza Estrellita to Clearwell Rd., Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead. Turn left onto Clearwell Road, some tar but is washed in some places, and continue one-half mile to the trailhead parking lot. Porta-potties are available but sort of yucky!!!! Weather forecast for Friday in Tucson is partly cloudy with a high of 74 degrees.

If for some reason a hike must be cancelled, you will receive an email by 6 a.m. Friday morning and you can go back to bed! For questions, call John Robichaud at 207-446-0650 or Jerry Garrison at 307-630-0252.