With spring rapidly approaching, many Tucsonans may want to get out into the fresh, warm air. The Lorraine Lee Hidden Canyon Trail is the perfect place to get some exercise and connect with nature on a path recently renamed for a Tucson activist.
Tucked away in the Tucson Mountain Park, the trail is located behind the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa at 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Visitors simply pull up behind the resort and park their cars on the side of the road to easily access the beginning of the trail.
The trail, originally named Hidden Canyon Trail, was renamed in 2009 for Lorraine Lee, a woman who devoted much of her time and her life to helping the Latino community in Tucson and Southern Arizona. She died in 2007, and two years later the Pima County Board of Supervisors renamed the trail for her.
A passionate activist, Lee was once the Vice President of Chicanos por la Causa, a nonprofit and minority-run community development corporation. She was also a past affiliate chair for the National Council of La Raza.
"The trail is really good for people emotionally, spiritually and physically," said Flint.
The first few steps of the trail travel by saguaros, ocotillos and other prickly desert plants. Soon, the resort fades away from view.
The roar of cars and the chatter of people transforms into the chirping of birds and the rustling of trees. The city disappears and the desert's beauty is all that remains.
The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long, according to Flint, but he says that the loop back to the main road is about another half mile along Bowen Trail.
Along the trail, small plaques inform hikers about the native plants and wildlife.
Tucson Mountain Park is a 20,000-acre preserve that is home to bobcats, roadrunners, lizards and hundred-year-old saguaro cacti.
After about 10 minutes of hiking, the rocky, narrow trail starts to incline.
"The trail requires a little bit of fitness and agility," said Flint. He recommends a walking stick for the nearly 400 foot ascent.
The trail can be strenuous for inexperienced hikers, but "rewards you with really good views," said Flint, in reference to the Tortolita Mountains that can be seen towering in the distance.
The trail also offers sights of the city that cannot be seen from busy streets.
"To be named for a trail like that is quite an honor," he said. "It is a very special trail."
