Catalina State Park -- Little Buster Mountain — March 17, 2025

Text by Phill Cooper

Photographs by Karen Vanderwall and John Collin

Nine hikers enjoyed a perfect day for the climb to the top of Little Buster Mountain in Catalina State Park. There were eight club members led by my friend and guest John Collin from Sun City in Oro Valley. I uncharacteristically let John lead the hike, because he is very familiar with this particular unmaintained trail in the park, one of his favorites.  I acted as his backup, sweeping at the end of the group.  Seven of us made it to the top, with two stopping just short.  It was a strenuous ascent, I believe the steepest club hike so far, especially the section immediately before the false summit.  From the top, we enjoyed great views looking down on the majority of the park, including the Romero Trail switchbacking its way to the pools. We also looked across the saddle to “Big” Buster Mountain, and down to the relatively lush riparian area behind the two mountains where Buster Bailey distilled his moonshine during the Prohibition at Buster Spring!  The cluster of boulders behind Karen’s right shoulder in the group photo is the highest point of Little Buster.

Thanks to John and Karen Vanderwall, Jim Sarkissian, Bob Page, Larry and Barb Cohn, Julie Halvacs, and John Collin for a good day’s hike in the park!