Saguaro National Park: East: Garwood Loop Trail

This hike begins in Saguaro National Park East from the Douglas Spring Trailhead. It is a 5.6 mile roundtrip hike with 730ft. of total elevation gain. I would consider it a moderate hike as the elevation is spread out over the length of the hike and takes place on a well-marked and established trail.

There are many interconnected trails in this section of the park and it can be confusing if you don't have a picture of the map with you while hiking. I found that by taking a picture of the map at the trailhead and consulting it at trail intersections I was able to find my way without becoming lost.

This hike provides excellent views of the Santa Catalina Mountains outside Tucson. I was amazed at how quickly they rise off the valley floor to over 9,000ft.

The dearth of flora on this hike abounds as there are innumerable species of cacti, desert shrubs  and trees along the trail. Although a "desert" landscape I was amazed by all of the plant life surrounding me in Saguaro NP.

I highly recommend planning your hike around sunset as the highest point of the hike provides an amazing panoramic view of the desert, mountains, Tucson and Saguaro cacti. From the highest point in the hike it is only 25 minutes to the trailhead so you can easily make it back to your car before it is too dark to see.

Saguaro National Park: West: Hugh Norris Trail

The longest trail in Saguaro National Park (west) starts from the Hohokam Trailhead 2.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center. If driving from Tucson I recommend taking Gates Pass Rd. through Tucson Mountain Park, over the pass of the Tucson Mountain Range, then following Kinney Rd. to the visitor center and trailhead.

This hike leads to Wasson Peak (4,687ft) the highest point in Saguaro NP (west). It is 4.9 miles each way and includes steep switchbacks and long sections along ridge lines completely exposed to the sun.

The hike begins with a series of switchbacks up to the ridge line  which you will then follow for the remainder of the hike. The trail is well-marked, maintained, and easy to follow throughout. I recommend going on this hike during the winter as during summer months the exposure to the sun would make it more difficult and less enjoyable. While ascending, you are afforded beautiful views of balanced rocks, Saguaro cacti, and swooping birds of prey.

As I turned a corner after a switchback I surprised a number of Javelinas (skunk pigs). They were startled and quickly made off away from me. It goes to show that even though the desert can appear quiet and empty you never know what might be around the corner!

Wasson Peak provided lovely panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, the city of Tucson, and the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains to the east. This halfway point is a great spot for pictures and a relaxing lunch before heading back down the trail.