trails | Books and my backpack

It began as a routine hiking day during our campout along the Illinois River about 80 miles south of Chicago. We headed to nearby Starved Rock State Park to walk a loop trail.

The parking lot at the trailhead made it clear this was an extraordinary place. We arrived mid-morning, but hundreds of cars already filled most of the main lot. Cars were turning toward the overflow lots too.

Then we walked toward the network of trails, where we joined a crowd that reminded me of the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park.

Just as Sue predicted, the crowd thinned as we explored and climbed the many stairs to trails through the mostly deciduous forest and views of spectacular rock formations. We paused at harrowing viewpoints looking down where Sue later stood.

Starved Rock attracts two million-plus visitors a year, more than many national parks. Our verdict? Get there early if you can. And visit Wildcat Canyon, from above, and below.

When we arrived in Tucson in early January, I poked the AllTrails app to look for a moderate day hike to get us started. I was stunned. Dots all over my phone’s screen and “500 trails” in the blank space across the bottom. I zoomed in to focus on trailheads within about a half hour drive. Still, 200 trails filled the map. Where do I begin?

Since that day, Sue and I have climbed mountains, hiked to waterfalls, meandered through canyons, and marveled at the varied cacti everywhere. Sue got so close to a cholla that a lemon-sized piece attached itself to her. A warning: cholla hurt—a lot—and are tough to remove.

Clusters of trails abound in the foothills and spectacular mountains that surround Tucson. Many have detailed maps posted at intersections. We discovered trekking adventures in Saguaro National Park, both the west and east sections, and in the expansive Tucson Mountain Park, accessible at several trailhead parking lots. We walked a few times at the Sweetwater Preserve. Then we drove 45 minutes to trails in Catalina State Park.

It has been in the 60s and 70s most days, interrupted by five or six days of rain, which many around here have complained about. They have no idea. Have they ever lived in Oregon?