This is a longer, close in hike that climbs back into the Whetstone Mountains. The trail first heads toward the mountain that will eventually be scaled. Then the trail veers to the north and parallels the streambed in the canyon. After about 1.75 miles the trail starts a serious climb through a series of switchbacks up to a saddle. The saddle is the end of the climbing and it is a good place to catch your breath and enjoy a snack. The views from the saddle are spectacular. At the saddle, the trail returns in a loop that heads down the south facing slope of the mountain. There are a number of switchbacks and the trail is more faint than it is on the climbing side. The total length of the loop is listed as 4.2 miles. In December of 2013, with beautiful conditions, the hike required about 4 hours for 4 experienced hikers with ages ranging from 65 to 75. The altitude gain is at least 1000 feet and parts of the trail can be steep and rocky. I would rate the hike as moderate to difficult for SKP hikers.

This hike begins in the Kartchner Caverns State Park and in 2013 a $6.00 entrance-parking fee was charged for each vehicle.

There are excellent flush toilets at the trailhead.

The Visitor's Center for Kartchner Caverns has food and shopping for hikers when they are done.