land roving
Windy Point: Rocky point near Windy Point dazzles
By Doug Kreutz
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.07.2008
Rock.
Rock.
And more rock.
Envision an expanse of stone scenery — trimmed with bits of mountain greenery — and you've got an idea of what you'll see on a sort of "island of rock" northeast of Tucson.
Perched near Windy Point in the Catalina Mountains, the site offers dramatic views of cliffs, canyons and distant summits.
It's long been known to rock climbers, who trek a quarter-mile or so across its broad stone slabs en route to climbing sites on formations such as North Fin and Beaver Wall. Some of the tourists who stop to take in the views at Windy Point also venture into the area — but few explore it fully.
Those who do aren't likely to be disappointed.
"This is just unbelievable!" raved Raymond Bean, who hiked out to the end of the "island" and peered down — way down — at the Tucson Valley.
Tourist Greg Foster — rambling around the area with his brother, Mark, and a friend, Aileen Fajardo — found little in common with his home state: "We don't get views like this in Maryland."
Get there
Take Tanque Verde Road to the Catalina Highway ($5 per vehicle fee) and follow the highway to the parking lot for Windy Point near Milepost 14.
Cross the road to the restrooms and from there head out onto the rocky expanse. You can choose a relatively flat course across the rocks or work in some ups and downs on big slabs and boulders.
To your left as you walk out the island, you'll get views down at the Catalina Highway. To the right you'll see canyons and the heights of the Catalinas.
Caution
Stay well back from drop-offs on the edges of the generally flat area. Steep climbers' trails lead down from the point where the flat terrain ends, but it's best to avoid them unless you're with a climbing party.
â—Ź Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192.
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