Bren Peak Via The David Yetman Trail

 

I love the David Yetman Trail, a decidedly easy & relaxing 12.5 mile out-and-back in the wonderful Tucson Mountain Park. I most recently hiked it last January. The only aspect of the hike I've found lacking is the minimal elevation gain. Today I remedied that by adding a little 2.5 mile loop around Bren Mountain, with a side trip to the summit. I also lopped off the final mile to and from the Gate's Pass parking lot for a cool 14 miles, and a more respectable 2,000 feet of gain—700 of which was the 0.6 mile vertical scramble to the tippy-top.

And at the tippy-top, who did I meet but a fellow Iowan and her hiking pal, now both living in Arizona: Debbie from Iowa and Ken from Connecticut. They are both obviously strong hikers and from what Debbie said Ken, like me, has a penchant for long hikes.

Beautiful weather today. I waited later than normal to start (~10:30 am) as it was a bit too chilly at 8:00. Clear skies all day, with temps topping out at 65º by hike's end shortly after 3:30.

The trail starts out a little rocky, but soon gives way to undulating gravel and packed dirt. 

The historic Bowen House. This is only a mile in from the eastern trailhead, and is usually clogged with bipeds snapping pics, especially on weekends. Today I just slid past.

A mini Teddy Bear Cholla forest. Don't let these cuties fool you; get too close and they might end up attacking.

Lots of Saguaros as Tucson Mountain Park also resides in Saguaro National Park West.

The Bren summit, and Ken signing the book. The actual peak is right next door across a slight saddle, so of course we had to add that to the hike before descending, Deb and Ken clockwise and me counter-clockwise so as to get in my loop.

Debbie from Des Moines (Urbandale).

(Photo by Debbie)

Ken loves stepping out on precipices; me not so much. 

Debbie at the first summit.

Gate's Pass Road.

(Photo by Ken and his tripod and remote)