Passage 11 Santa Catalina Mountains

[mando]

I notice that there are two ways through passage 11, a western route that appears in the guide book and an eastern (newer?) route that appears on the ATA interactive map. What are the pros and cons of these two routes?

[rcorfman]

@mando
The route not in the guide book is the bike alternate to avoid the Wilderness area where bicycles are not allowed.

[mando]

ahh, that makes sense. Thanks!

[garyc57]

As I recall, the "official" route (the western route) as you call it, goes through the Wilderness of Rocks (WOR). Very challenging, if not impossible for horses. That's another reason for the re-route.

[Sredfield]

@garyc57
I'm not a horse person but I can't imagine a horse making it. I'd advise anyone considering it to walk it first, or be prepared to turn back.

[garyc57]

@garyc57
I'm not a horse person...

Shawn, neither am I. Maybe a "horse person" could chime in with some advice...? What about rubber shoes? Would those help a horse in rocky areas?

(not to hijack the thread... )

[sandyfortner]

The last few miles of the Pusch Wilderness Bypass - the Crystal Springs section - is a challenge! I do not think a horse could make it through there. Bikes would have a time as well. The other trails of the Bypass are great although Butterfly has a big elevation change. As a hiker, stick to the Wilderness. It's beautiful!

[BrettVet]

My mule “Rosie” and I have ridden the Wilderness of Rocks trail looping around to the Lemmon trail many times. Yes there is some rock climbing with some slick spots, but mules are the four wheel drive version of the equine world. They are half donkey and from that they get their intelligence and are sure footed. They have small feet and they watch and place them very carefully.

[Sredfield]

@BrettVet
Wow. Have you gone down to Romero Pass? There is a huge chock stone across a steep, deep section of trail a little ways above the pass that seems impossible to me.

[BrettVet]

No, just he Wilderness of Rocks, Lemmon Loop. Most of the time we can find a off trail route around or get off and rock hop with the mule. Downed trees are a pain which is why we always carry a saw.