Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Buenos Aires NWR
Photo by: David McErlean

Sweeping desert covered in cactus as far as the eyes can see. Hundreds of miles of dirt trails that stretch into the open desert. Empty camp sites marked by a lonely sign.

What was once used for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting, is now an empty desert, patrolled by U.S. Border Patrol. The border war in the United States against illegal immigrants and drugs has made the area too dangerous for recreational use.

Named for the pleasant breeze that blows through the area, the Buenos Aires started in 1909 as a private ranch. U.S. Fish and Wildlife bought the ranch on August 1,1985 and established the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in Pima County, Ariz. to save the Masked Bobwhite Quail and other endangered wildlife, according to Congressional records.

Water Barrels in Buenos Aires NWR
Photo by: David McErlean

The Buenos Aires is now a major gateway into the United States for illegal migrants and drug mules. With around 118,000 acres of land, it is one area that people try to enter the United States. They are able to walk right over the border and blend into the desert before any Border Patrol agents even know of their existence. Getting lost from Border Patrol isn't always the best thing though. With so much land to cover, migrants find themselves lost in the park for days, unable to find any water source. The park is covered with empty water bottles left by passing migrants as they finish the last drops to their supply.

To help migrants from dying in the desert on their journey north, the Buenos Aires NWR has allowed Humane Borders to place water at three locations in the park. Marked by a blue flag raised 30 feet off the desert floor, two 55 gallon drums filled with drinking water wait for passing people in need of water.

In an effort to see how difficult water is to find in the desert, I went on a mission to find all of the listed water sources in the Buenos Aires. With the use of a map, compass, and a truck, I was able to find the listed water drums. The locations were full of water and in plain site, but the vastness of the desert landscape made me realize how next to impossible it would be to find the water after a day of running in the hot sun.

Read my story, A Quest for Water, for more information on the Humane Borders water tanks in the Ariz. desert at BorderBeat.

Vasque Wasatch GTX Hiking Boots

Vasque Wasatch GTX
Photo by: David McErlean

Vasque is one of the most popular hiking boot companies around. For good reason too. They make long lasting, comfortable shoes for trail running, hiking and backpacking around the world. Their Vasque Wasatch GTX backpacking boot is their best-selling boot.

These boots are comfortable enough for every day footwear and rugged enough for the toughest of terrain.

I have gone through sand, mud, water and snow in mine and couldn't be happier. With every use they get more comfortable as they get more broken in.

The Gore-Tex fabric makes the boots fully water-proof but breathable to let the sweat out. Even trudging through snow for hours, the boots stay completely dry on the inside. The Vibram soles are durable and grippy on any terrain.

After multi-day trips with 10s of miles put in each day, these boots keep your feet comfortable and ready for the next day. I have hundreds of miles on my boots and they still yet to brake down. I highly recommend these boots for anyone that needs backpacking or hiking boots.

These three companies came together to make one great boot that hikers can enjoy around the world. Vasque Men's Wasatch GTX Hiking Boot,Moss Brown,12 N US are comparable in price to other hiking boots, but second to none in the experience you will have in them. They are available at most outdoor stores including REI.

Finger Rock Trail, Tucson Arizona

Finger Rock Trailhead in Tucson Ariz.
Photo by: David McErlean

My year of outdoor adventure starts off with a hike up Finger Rock Trail. Named for the rock formation resembling a finger, the trail takes you  to the top of Mt. Kimball in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson Arizona.

Finger Rock Trail starts at 3,100 feet and peaks at 7,255 feet of elevation. The 4,155 elevation climb is covered in five miles of hiking, ending on the summit of Mt. Kimball. Because of the fast climb, this trail is rated with the highest level of difficulty by the Arizona Sierra Club.

Start to Finger Rock Trail
Photo by: David McErlean

The trail starts with a flat mile walk on a rocky path. The path winds around a dry riverbed, carved by flash floods that rush down the mountain during heavy rains.

Tucson receives an average of six inches of rain a year with the majority of rain during the monsoon season. Monsoon season stars at the beginning of June and goes through September, according to RSS Weather.

Moving past the lavish homes built deep in the hills, the trail moves further into the canyon. Every step on the trail moves you deeper into the wilderness and away from the congestion of the city.

Switchbacks up to Mt. Kimball
Photo by: David McErlean

The next two miles of the trail takes a vertical climb on switchbacks cut into the hillside. Working its way up the canyon wall, the view from the trail changes from lush plant life, to barren cliffs with panoramic views of the city. At the top there is a split in the trail. One way goes to Mt. Kimball, the other takes you on a journey to sitting on top of Finger Rock. 

This is a great place to stop and take in the sights. Looking to the northwest you can see the famous finger staring from the adjacent peak. To the east is Mt. Kimball. Walking towards Mt. Kimball a half mile, there is a resting place over looking all of Southern Arizona.

If you are going for the summit, it's two more miles of steady climbing to the east.

I took the road less traveled and went for the Finger. Taking the trail that splits north, descend into the canyon that stands between the two peaks. Once at the river bottom take the trail straight up and point towards Finger Rock.

The trail to the finger can be difficult to see if it has not been used in a while. Be on the look out for cairns, neatly staked rocks used to mark trails, leading the way.

Once reaching the base of the rock formation, there is a rock climb to the the top. Overlooking a straight drop to the base of the mountain hundreds of feet below, climb the 30 foot rock face to the top. You might have to psych yourself up to let yourself climb to the top. Once reaching the top, the view is unparalleled by any other view in Tucson.

Taking the rarely used trail to the finger is more difficult than hiking to the summit of Mt. Kimball, but way more rewarding.

Finger Rock Trail
Photo by: David McErlean

Plan on the hike taking six to seven hours. It is only six and a half miles round trip, but it is a lot of steep climbing. This hike is best during the fall, winter and spring months when it is cooler. Make sure to bring plenty of water and good hiking boots. Hiking poles will save your knees on the trek down from the summit.

For a more challenging hike to the top of Finger Rock, take the river to the top. The river path takes you up one waterfall after another. Make sure to bring rope incase you have to turn around and repel back down the waterfalls.

Directions to the trailhead from central tucson: Take N. Campball Ave. north towards La Encantada. Turn right on E. Skyline Dr. Stay on Skyline by making your first left. Then left on N. Alvernon Way, there are signs for Finger Rock Trail. The parking lot is on the left at the end of Alvernon. Map

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. In my blog I will explore the Southwest and all that it naturally has to offer such as hiking, mountain biking, hunting and anything else that has to do with being outdoors. Along with showing the different places and things to do around the southwest region the United States, I will review different outdoor stores and products that will help you outfit yourself so you can get off the couch and share the same experiences. I hope it inspires you to go out and try new things.