 |
| Several Saguaro National Park trails pass a variety of Sonoran Desert flora. |
Among the trails to explore are…
Bajada Wash Trail
The 1.7-mile trail in the Tucson Mountain (West) district and offers a unique experience of passing typical low elevation desert scrub, such as fourwing saltbush and brittlebrush. The curved trail follows a dry streambed, providing an elevation change of 220 feet from its starting point at the Sus picnic area on a spur of Hohokam Road, to where it rejoins Hohokam Road just south of Apache Peak. This moderately challenging hike is suitable for most levels and will be appreciated by all exploring this area’s diverse flora, with a few chances to observe distant views due to mountains that mostly surround it on both sides.
Cactus Forest Trail
Day hikers can explore classic Sonoran Desert flora on the Cactus Forest Trail. The trail runs 5 miles with 150 feet elevation change in the park’s Rincon Mountain (East) district. The trail is off of Cactus Forest Drive; park in the pullouts at the southern Cactus Forest Trailhead. Starting in a mesquite grove, the path ventures northeast with a mountain rising in the distance. The trail is moderately wide and made of hardpacked dirt, perfect for walking or hiking.
King Canyon Trail
Day hikers can experience classic Sonoran Desert vegetation – ocotillo, prickly pear cactus and saguaro – at the lower elevations of the King Canyon Trail in the park’s Tucson Mountain (West) section. The 7-mile round trip trail climbs to Wasson Peak (following a turn onto the Hugh Norris Trail) and gains 1833 feet along the way.
Mesquite Trail
The Mesquite Trail is a level track located in the Rincon Mountain (East) district, beginning from the Loma Verde trailhead along Cactus Forest Drive and accessible from the Mica View point. The one-mile trail begins in a grove of mesquite. It connects the Cactus Forest and Loma Verde pathways, branching west from the latter and running at close proximity to the one-way loop drive before veering northwest across a dry wash to reach its junction with the former. From there, hikers can continue to make their way toward the Mica View Trailhead, which sits half a mile ahead.
Mica View Trail
The trail is a popular 1-mile trek in the Rincon Mountain (East) district. Located off the beautiful Cactus Forest Drive, the trailhead is easily accessed from the nearby Mica View picnic area. The elevation change is approximately 40 feet, and visitors can look forward to a variety of cacti as they take in the awe-inspiring desert landscape. If looking for a scenic loop, turn onto the Shantz Trail before heading south along the Cactus Forest Trail to connect with the southern end of the Mica View Trail.
North Coyote Wash Trail
The trail in the Rincon Mountain (East) district crosses through low elevation desert scrubland. Measuring 2.9 miles in length and featuring an elevation change of 50 feet, this trail is a great option for hikers looking to explore but not overexert themselves. Head out on the adventure at the Camino Loma Alta trailhead and enjoy the views as you follow the minor path along a seasonal wash close to the south edge of the park. With the Ruiz Trail nearby, you can make it a 4-mile loop.
Rincon Creek Trail
The Rincon Creek Trail in the Rincon Mountain (East) district is a 7.4-mile point-to-point treat for anyone looking for an interesting and challenging journey through lush cactus terrain. Starting from the X9 Ranch, hikers will climb 3056 feet and eventually make it to Happy Valley Saddle at 6111 feet. Unfortunately, access is limited due to the gated road leading up to the trailhead, so visitors have no choice but to start their hike at Happy Valley Saddle and head down. This trail can be combined with Manning Camp Trail as part of a longer expedition or loop and opens up access to the largest water body within the national park. Some of the attractions along this magnificent route include mesquite, willow, cottonwood trees plus plenty of birds and other desert creatures to be spotted by keen eyes watching out keenly.
Read Part II of this article.
