Ventana Trail

Description:

• Ventana means window in Spanish. The window in this case is a 15 by 25 foot opening in solid rock that tops one of the peaks in the Santa Catalina Front Range. The route up Ventana Canyon leads to The Window, presenting memorable views of sheer canyon walls and a steadily broadening panorama along the way. The stream that the trail follows for much of this route is dry most of the year, but you can usually find water in some of its pools during the spring and early summer. The riparian habitat it nourishes provides good bird watching.

  The trail becomes steadily more difficult to follow as it climbs farther from the trailhead and higher up the canyon. As you climb, occasional pools and widening vistas provide reasons to stop, take a breather and look around. The Window comes into view well before you get to it, as does the 100-foot drop at its base.

  4.7 miles of this trail are in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.

  Water is generally available in pools along Ventana Creek in spring and early summer. Purification of water is recommended prior to use.

  Dogs are not permitted on the Pima County easement access to this trail and in the Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area.