Saguaro NP hike leads to century-old mine

Tailings and ruins from the abandoned 1905-12 Gould Mine sit
in Saguaro National Park.

Day hikers can head to

a relic of the early 1900s Arizona Copper Rush on the Gould Mine Trail in Saguaro National Park.

The 1.8-mile round trip hike sits in the park’s western Tucson Mountains district. It sports an elevation

gain of just 300 feet.

To reach the trailhead, from Interstate 10 in Tucson, exit onto West Ina Road and head west. At North Wade Road, turn left/south. When the road veers west, it naturally becomes West Picture Rocks Road and enters the park. Next, go left/south onto North Sandario Road then left/east onto North Kinney Road. Drive past Red Rock Visitor Center to the trailhead. The parking lot has space for about 15 vehicles so fills up quickly during the cooler months and on weekends.

Sonoran Desert flora
Of the two trails at the parking lot, head left/northwest down the ravine. Upon reaching the wash, go left/south. Look for a trail across the wash ascending the ravine, and take that.

You’ll cross the base of a foothill over gently undulating terrain.

Eventually the trail descends in another ravine and runs along then parallels the usually dry streambed.

Standard Sonoran Desert plant life can be found along the trail – buckhorn cholla, creosote, ferocactus, hedgehog cactus, ironwood, jumping cholla, mammillaria, mesquite, ocotillo, saguaro, and teddy bear cholla.

The trail soon gains elevation, and the red and gray tailings of the mining operation come into view. After passing below the tailings, the trail curls back into the mine site by going left/west on the Sendero Esperanza Trail at the 0.8-mile mark.

Gould Mine
The colorful tailing pile – that is the rock the miners tossed while mining – stand out just for their size. You can walk atop the pile, but stay away from the edges as they can give.

A small stone cabin beside the trail also is interesting. This was an old powder house where dynamite was stored.

The 300-foot deep mine shaft is fenced-off and covered by an iron grille. A second gated shaft is downhill from the site. Don’t try to enter either shaft.

There also are pieces of wood and ironwork scattered across the site.

The Gould Mine opened in 1905 and was promoted as one of the richest copper strikes in the then Arizona Territory. It produced a mere 1500 tons of ore, though, and closed after only seven years.

Once you’ve taken in the sights, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Some hikers include this in a loop with the Sendero Esperanza Trail (go right/east on it) and either the King Canyon Wash or the King Canyon trails (go south on them). This adds 0.3 miles if taking King Canyon Wash, and 0.2 miles if taking the King Canyon Trail to the hike.

There’s no shade along the trail, so be sure to don sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Due to the aridity, bring at least 1.5 quarts of drinking water per person.

TOPO MAP

Gould Mine Trail. Click for larger version.

Teach day hiking children to stay on the trail

Taking children on a day hike offers a great opportunity to teach them some rules of the trail. This can help ensure they grow up to respect mother nature and others. Among the rules to teach is “stay on the trail.”

Hiking off trail means potentially damaging fragile growth. Following this rule not only ensures you minimize damage but is also a matter of safety. Off trail is where kids most likely will encounter dangerous animals and poisonous plants. Not being able to see where they’re stepping also increases the likelihood of falling and injuring themselves. Leaving the trail also raises the chances of getting lost.

Staying on the trail also means staying out of caves, mines or abandoned structures you may encounter. They are usually dangerous places and wild animals may be living there.

In addition, never let children take a shortcut on a switchback trail. Besides putting them on steep ground upon which they could slip, their impatient act will cause the switchback to erode.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to avoid fall injuries on hikes with kids

One way to avoid fall injuries is to stay
out of caves.

Fortunately, most falls on the trail are not a big deal. Still, they can lead to everything from a scraped knee to a broken bone.

Children can avoid falls by not running and always watching their step. Usually a fall occurs because a child doesn’t see a tree root or a rock on the trail that they then trip over. In addition, don’t walk along narrow ledges and be cautious when clambering over boulders lest an arm or the head hit a hard stone on the way down. Don’t climb vertically on cliff sides; children easily can lose their grip or loose rock might give way. Climbing is a fun pastime but should be done with the right gear.

Another, more dangerous way falls can occur is when kids enter abandoned mines and wells. Usually mine entrances are boarded up, but even that won’t stop inquisitive children from getting inside, so watch them. Mines often have holes or drop-offs in them that can cause serious injury. Children should be told to stay away from mines and wells.

Also, during autumn and early spring, even if there is no snow on the ground, watch your step on bridges or stepping stones over streams and rivers. Ice can form on them. Ice is typically present during the hours immediately after sunrise.

After a fall, always assess the injury’s seriousness and treat accordingly.

Related articles:
g How to prevent and treat hypothermia in children
g Avoiding and treating child dehydration on the trail
g How to avoid and treat nosebleeds
g How to avoid and treat hiking kids' muscle cramps

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Stay on the trail when day hiking with kids

Hiking off trail means potentially damaging fragile growth.

Following this rule not only ensures you minimize damage but is also a matter of safety. Off trail is where kids most likely will encounter dangerous animals and poisonous plants. Not being able to see where they’re stepping also increases the likelihood of falling and injuring themselves. Leaving the trail also raises the chances of getting lost.

Staying on the trail also means staying out of caves, mines or abandoned structures you may encounter. They are usually dangerous places and wild animals may be living there.

In addition, never let children take a shortcut on a switchback trail. Besides putting them on steep ground upon which they could slip, their impatient act will cause the switchback to erode.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.