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| Tailings and ruins from the abandoned 1905-12 Gould Mine sit in Saguaro National Park. |
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
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.
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
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| Gould Mine Trail. Click for larger version. |
