Mount Lemmon from Catalina State Park: Average Hike Times?

[louie]

Looking for feedback on average times for this hike. I know it's posted in the write up, but was wondering how long some of us older folks took to complete this hike. Perhaps some people out there in their 60's who have done this hike?

Thanks, Jason.

[Tough_Boots]

that hike is a serious beast... I did it in probaly 8.5 hrs taking the route through Wilderness of Rocks. I don't think age has much to do with it-- the two older guys in the group left me in their dust

[louie]

We're planning on doing the Romero route per the write up which I know is a little longer than the Sutherland. My dad's in pretty good shape so it sounds like 8-10 hrs is pretty reasonable. I'm getting hung up on our start time thinking 7:30am might be too late. Trying to avoid having to hike the end of this in the dark, but we always pack headlamps. You never know...

[Jim]

Why not do a Romero Canyon hike a week before and see how it goes? If you are doing a round trip hike, you can get an idea by doubling the time on going back and forth to the pass. If only going 1 way to the top from the park, you can assume a reasonable time for a round trip Romero Canyon to the Pass hike, is similar to your 1 way time. Spend more time up in the WOR, to really enjoy it, though.

[chumley]

I just did this on 3/8. We camped at WOR, but it took me 7 hours to get there and 2 more to get to the summit the next morning. I was seriously dragging on the climb so the going was very slow.

Everybody hikes at different speeds. I know that even my "slow" ascent would be quicker than some. But others could beat me by hours!

What I can tell you for sure is take Romero over Sutherland. Not even a question due to the condition of Sutherland right now. It is very difficult to follow in places.

If you leave at 7:30, you are giving yourself 12 hours to get there before dark. That seems reasonable to me, but ultimately you will have to determine your own speed/capability over that kind of distance and elevation based on your own experience.

[louie]

Cool. I appreciate everyone's input. A bit off topic, but since Sutherland trail was mentioned does that route follow power lines for much of the trail? Not a fan of hiking by power lines. Kind of takes the back to nature deal out of the hike.