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| Several Saguaro National Park trails pass a variety of Sonoran Desert flora. |
Among the trails to explore are…
Roadrunner/Panther Peak Wash Loop
Take in the breathtaking desert beauty of the Tucson Mountain (West) district on the 4.3-mile Roadrunner/Panther Peak Wash Loop. The trail traverses low elevation scrubbrush. Start at Cam-bohn Trailhead and follow the Roadrunner Trail north before continuing on the Panther Peak Wash Trail. To head back to your starting spot, take the Cam-boh Trail going west and you’ll find yourself right back at the trailhead. This loop is perfect for those seeking a moderate hike with rewarding views and is sure to leave visitors in awe of the vibrant desert landscape.
Scenic/Passey/Packrat Loop
A great adventure awaits those who take this 1.7-mile loop in Tucson Mountain (West) district. To reach the trailhead, from Tucson, first take Continental Reserve Loop and turn west onto Pima Farms Road. At Scenic Drive, go left and drive 0.2 miles to a paved circle where you can park — but not in or near Sanctuary Cove. From there, walk 0.2 miles south to the trailhead (A8), then take Scenic Trail to Passey Loop Trail to Scenic Loop for a journey full of spectacular views of Safford Peak that are not easily forgotten. For those who wish to explore further, Passey Loop Trail’s trailhead is marked by a large boulder along the fence, 0.37 miles south from the paved driving circle. During your explorations, you will encounter common desert vegetation such as saguaros and yuccas among others from the Sonoran Desert’s diverse collection of flora and fauna — making this short hike all the more special!
Shantz Trail
Spanning a length of 4.8 miles, the Shantz Trail is located in the Rincon Mountain (East) district, its trailhead at Wildhorse along Speedway Boulevard. With an elevation change of only 50 feet, this path offers a satisfying walk for recreation seekers looking for smooth terrain through cactus groves. Incorporating other trails around it, hikes of various lengths are possible; prominent intersections include Mica View, Cactus Forest, Loma Verde, and Kennedy trails. As the nearest route from the park boundary’s northwest corner, the Shantz Trail offers an accessible approach point to loop hikes and uncovering some of the natural beauty the district have to offer.
Squeeze Pen Trail
With its trailhead located 0.2 miles north of Loma Verde along the Cactus Forest Drive, the Squeeze Pen Trail is a great getaway for hikers looking to experience the beauty of Rincon Mountain (East) district. The 2.5-mile trail heads through a mesquite forest usually not found in this section of the park. The trail also offers incredible views of the northwest section of the park due to its higher elevation. Starting from its trailhead at Loma Verde, the trail veers north down a dry wash past a junction with the Pink Hill Trail until it reaches another intersection with the Wentworth and Kennedy trails. From there, those wishing to explore further east should take the Carrillo Trail before heading toward Three Tank Trail, which leads to Douglas Spring by way of a backcountry path. Be aware of the numerous criss-crossing paths that wind through saguaros in this area.
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
Hikers can experience all five of Saguaro National Park’s environments on the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. The 13.8-mile round trail is in the Rincon Mountain (East) district. backcountry. The Rincon Mountain district consists of five distinct environments. They shift by elevation. Desert scrub, such as fourwing saltbush and brittlebrush, sits at the lowest elevations. Go a little higher, and the scrub gives way to a desert grassland. Just above that is an oak woodland. Beyond that is a pine-oak woodland, a transition to the environment at the park’s highest elevations, the pine forest. The trailhead is off of Cactus Forest Drivel turn into the Javelina Picnic Area and park at the lot at the road’s end.
Thunderbird Trail
The trail, in the Tucson Mountain (West) district, offers a range of inspiring loops, varying from 3 to 14 miles. A climb around the mountain and eventually its descent to lower hills make for a truly breathtaking experience. On exploring the trail, hikers are welcomed to sights of magnificent local flora and fauna. The rugged path leads through geometric formations of saguaros, mesquite trees, and paloverdes scattered through the eastern foothills. Beginning a few hundred feet from Camino del Cerro parking lot adjacent to Sweetwater, Thunderbird’s wide dirt singletrack makes it ideal for biking adventures as well as leisurely strolls. You will get the chance to encounter interesting geology too. Signing the register at the trailhead is highly recommended.
Vertical Cliffs Short Loop
If you’re looking for a trail that boasts stunning views amid desert fauna, the Vertical Cliffs Short Loop in the Tucson Mountain (West) district is a great option. With a distance of 2.6 miles, this trail offers a moderate challenge and beautiful sights along the way. Access the trail by taking Belmont Road off of Silverbell Road and keep an eye out for a gated road on the left. After parking in front of the gate, you’ll hit the Belmont Trail, which runs alongside natural gas pipelines and powerlines. From there, you’ll explore the Vertical Cliffs Trail, the Veterans Trail, and the Animal Wash Trail before looping back to the Belmont Trail. Cross desert terrain and take in views of Picture Rocks Peak, Safford Peak, and Wasson Peak. As a bonus, you’ll spot an Aermotor windmill in the wash to the west of the trail and pass by the Old Yuma Mine along the way.
Wentworth Trail
The Wentworth Trail is a great spot for hikers and nature-lovers alike. It’s 3.3 miles long, with an elevation change of 100 feet from start to finish. It starts at the east end of Speedway Boulevard at the Wildhorse Trailhead and generally runs west-east through the Rincon Mountain (East) district’s northwest corner. You’ll find yourself on an old airstrip, now overgrown with prickly pear and creosote. A wash lies ahead, where you’ll need to make your way through before coming across an area covered in thick mesquite. Along the way, there are nine other intersections for hikers to explore before they inevitably end up back at the Shantz and Douglas Spring trails.
Read Part I of this article.
