The King Canyon Trail connects with other trails to allow you to climb Wasson Peak the highest peak in Saguaro West. Start early if you want to park near the trail head. This is a 3.3 mile out-and-back hike with 1500 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Explore more in our professional, high quality trail guides and outdoor reviews. Elevation Gain:511 fe… A Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), about to go inside its hole in a saguaro. Wasson Peak is the tallest mountain in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.This loop hike travels along ridges with grand desert vistas and through some of the thickest Saguaro forest in Arizona. 80 reviews of Saguaro National Park West "This was the first (and so far only) National Park I have written a letter to thanking them for their excellent Junior Ranger Program. (263kb pdf file), Long Trails in Saguaro East
An easy family hike (.8-mile round trip) within Saguaro National Park West that reaches a ridge that provides great views within a 35-mile radius. The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail is narrow, rocky, and steep, with spectacular views of the Tucson Basin. Distance: 1.8 miles RT | Elevation gain: 436 feet. Get a high-clearance vehicle, especially if going to the Miller Creek or Turkey Creek trailheads. Honorable mention: Tucson food scene. Desert Discovery Trail There are no backcountry campsites in the Tucson Mountain district … Closeup of a rare cristate saguaro; Kristin’s Top 3 in Saguaro National Park Photographed on the Discovery Desert Trail. We hope they help you plan your trip! of trail — 8 Recommended Routes 5 Gems 40 Trails 40 Trails 8 Trails Saguaro National Park is home to the giant saguaro, a universal symbol of the American west and the nation's largest cacti. Like with most parks, the National Geographic Trails Illustrated map is your best choice if you’re looking for a single detailed Saguaro National Park trail map with topographic lines, trail mileages, and wilderness campsites. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. Generally speaking, the Tucson Mountain District is more developed, and the Rincon Mountain section is more untouched wilderness. Both of these trails can be hiked as a short one or two mile hike with great views. An eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) on Tanque Verde Trail. Only found in a small portion of the U.S., these majestic behemoths are preserved in the desert landscape of the park. Winter might be nice too, especially if you see the rare snow on the saguaro cacti. Amole Peak in middle and Wasson Peak is far left. Saguaro National Park East is nearly three times as big as the West district. 1. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). If you have more time, add a backpacking trip in Rincon Mountain District. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Kristin went in with low expectations, and she ended up loving the park. Covering over 24,818 acres, the Tucson Mountain District sits on the park’s west boundaries. It had been a long time since either of us had hiked in the desert, and we didn’t know what to expect. Your email address will not be published. At 0.9 miles hikers pass the Sendero Esperanza Trail junction near the Mam-A-Gah picnic area, named for a Tohono O'odham Indian Chief. The trailhead is at the end of North Scenic Drive towards the north boundary of the park. This trail continues to Juniper Basin Campground (6.9 mile mark, 3000 feet elevation) as well as Tanque Verde Peak (8.7 miles, 4000 feet elevation). The final section ascends a series of switchbacks to the Hugh Norris Trail to reach the top of Wasson Peak, the highest point in Saguaro National Park West. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go on a day hike, or camp in the backcountry. There is several things to do at Saguaro National Park located in Tucson Arizona. They went above and beyond by having backpacks containing pencils, binoculars, and other items chidlren can use while exploring the park and filling out their Junior Ranger books. Others, like Garwood Trail, had unique sights like a cristate version, and a cluster of 11 saguaros. The eastern section is larger and more mountainous, the western portion is lower in elevation and boasts a denser saguaro forest. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Parking: Free | Trailhead … Valley View Overlook Trail. Saguaro National Park has many interesting trails to hike in both the Eastern and Western districts. 3.4 miles – Out and back This photo was taken from the Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic area in the middle of the park. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. To explore all the U.S. National Parks at our own pace and off the beaten path. Favorite Trails . The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail is the major route into backcountry camping in Saguaro East. The Saguaro is only found in a small portion of the United States in the Sonoran Desert and it is something special to stand next to one. Remember you will find no water on any trails in Saguaro West and water in Saguaro East is spotty and usually only at Manning Camp (check at the visitor center for backcountry permits and water conditions at Manning Camp) which is a 16 mile hike one way and an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. The Saguaro National Park East District acreage is 66,947 and Saguaro National Park West District is 24,498 acres. It’s a perfect choice for someone looking for an easy to moderate hike with pretty minimal elevation gain and close encounters with large saguaro cactusesalong with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and desert terrain. Some are out-and-back hikes, some require a shuttle, but you can combine the King Canyon, Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza, and the Gould Mine Trails to make an 8-mile loop. Trail travels through a wide variety of plant and animal habitats Peak the highest Peak in middle and Wasson is! 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