An excellent hike up a wide canyon to the top of the front range of the Santa Catalinas and The Window---a large circular hole in the face of the mountain with a southern view of Tucson and the Santa Cruz river valley. The hike is about 13 miles round-trip with a steep grade in the last couple of miles.
The trail starts out on private land for about a mile and then enters into Ventana Canyon leaving behind the desert floor. The canyon is quite large with steep dramatic cliffs shadowing both sides. After about 2 miles with little elevation gain, a steep ascent and another half mile of hiking brings you to Maiden Pools that flow during the rainy season or when the snow is melting. This is a nice turn-around spot for a short day hike.
Continuing on the trail up the canyon brings you through dense hardwood stands of Juniper and Oak. The elevation gain gradually increases as the trail becomes much steeper. After a mile or so you should be able to look up to the east side of the canyon and see The Window. About 2.5 miles from the pools the trail intersects with Finger Rock Trail, which heads west to Mt. Kimball. To continue on Ventana Canyon up to The Window stay east (right). The rest of the trail (about 1.5 miles) is quite steep, but worth the effort. You'll know when you get to The Window--- you'll be out of breath and see a 12 feet in diameter hole in the side of the mountain!