30 Miles in 30 Hours: Reflections From a Meditative Run up Mount Lemmon, AZ

Miles: 29.6
Hours: 27.6
Time on Trail: 15:05:43
Elevation Gain: 10,432 ft
Elevation Loss: 7,349 ft

Lemmon Rush

The observation, the dance, the connection. The mountain nourishment. From the saguaros to the pines and the whole range of biodiversity in between. To the captivating mica minerals, quartz, and striking rock formations. The blooming ocotillo and manzanita. To those we share the journey with. Rhythmic steps, moving along and up, mile after mile. To then look down into the desert where we started. Continual forward motion. Gratitude. And moving again.

Trip Report

Nine of us gathered together for a multi-day, point-to-point spring trail run up and down Arizona’s prominent Mount Lemmon, the high point of the Santa Catalina mountains. Located outside of Tucson, the journey to and up Lemmon carries you through the Coronado National Forest and the dynamic mix of microclimates and biodiversity for which it’s known. As a lifelong runner, former Olympic marathoner, and adventure photographer who documents grueling trail races, I knew we were in for a big day—and then another.

On day one we started at Ventana Canyon Trailhead at 3,011’ and made our way up to the summit of Mount Lemmon at 9,159’. These 18 miles brought us up a total elevation gain of 9,224 feet with an elevation loss of 3,195 feet throughout. We then camped out on the mountain, enjoyed dinner together around a campfire and tucked into our tents for the night.

We rose early on day two and hit the trail around first light. Mileage was mellower, consisting of 10.86 miles with 1208 feet elevation gain, and 4154 feet elevation loss utilizing Palisade Trail down to the Arizona Trail, and then finishing at Gordon Hirabayashi Camp.

This mountain offers such a beautiful, playful, dynamic mix of microclimates and biodiversity. I was continually captivated by the flora, varied terrain, and geologic features. We meandered the winding trails passing through saturations of saguaros and ocotillos, sections of oaks and tall grasses, rocky outcroppings, and thorny overgrown patches. I was continually distracted by the shiny mica and quartz abundant throughout the higher sections of trail. We made our way up into the pines, and I felt at home hearing the wind through the trees. The weather we experienced was about as varied as the terrain, with clouds, bright and hot sun, storms dancing in the distance, wind, and even some rain greeting us along the way.

Gear Testing

For this trip I was able to put some new Mountain Hardwear broad spectrum products to the test. My favorites included the Sunshield Hoody, Stryder Cap, and Lickety Split 20L Pack. I always opt for long sleeves and a hood for long days out in the sun, which made the Sunshield Hoody—with its perfect length and light, UVA and UVB filtering material—an ideal choice. It’s one of those tops you don’t think about at all once it’s on, which is always a good sign in my book, especially when going up 18 miles of mountain. The quarter zip with the hood is an unexpected yet lovely combination that ends up offering more versatility as well as more airflow (also helpful when going up 18 miles of mountain).

I’m almost always wearing a hat, and the Stryder Cap is a perfect blend of light, fun, and sturdy, with a large enough bill for good sun cover while still being able to flip it up (something I look for as it’s helpful when shooting photos). The Lickety Split 20L Pack is a bit of a dream pack for me. Its larger volume and structure combined with running vest features checks a lot of my boxes. After years of using running vests, I’ll always prioritize and appreciate having pockets on the shoulder straps—and lots of hydration load capacity. It carried well and offered ample space, with a structure that allowed me to tuck my camera away without it bouncing around (also always something I consider).

Final Reflections

There is no easy way up 9,000 feet of mountain. I was tested in all of the ways I had hoped on this trip, and in ways I didn’t expect, all while maintaining such joy and psych on the trail. I kept thinking to myself how grateful I am to be able to spend these days out here, connecting with people and place, trying hard, and finding a rhythm with myself and the mountain.

I trained full-time as a professional runner for years before transitioning to full-time photographer and now blend those worlds from my base in the Eastern Sierra. I also guide running retreats in Yosemite. My experience in running gives me a keen eye as an observer with a camera in the running world while documenting these projects. With many long days playing out in the mountains under my belt, I knew a day like this would be a fun challenge and an adventure. It didn’t disappoint.