
Trip
Day Hike - Mountains of Southern Arizona
Saguaro National Park East: Douglas Spring to Bridal Wreath Falls (with options for extended milage) Day 1 of 3 hikes near Tucson, Arizona
- Tue, Feb 7, 2023
- Foothills Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,425 ft
- FULL (10 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Meet at the Douglas Spring Trailhead in the Saguaro National Park at 8 am.
A National Park Pass is required for entry
This is the first of 3 day hikes in the Tucson area from Feb 7-9th. We will be exploring three regions in the area: Saguaro National Park East, Saguaro National Park West and Sabino Canyon where we will see the best of the canyons, views, falls, geology and nature in the Tucson Basin.
Richard DuBois (Co-leader) will be offering longer extension options for this hike
Pace will be moderate, with plenty of time for taking in the scenery.
Here is the proposed route for this hike
https://www.gaiagps.com/public/MTVUmCTVQzog7jeJkysF5378
From the Douglas Spring trailhead, the trail starts out flat, but then begins to ascend into the mountains. through various types of desert vegetation, such as saguaro and barrel cactus, mesquite and creosote, and views of the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountains. The falls are surrounded by big boulders, and a great place to stop for a snack before looping back around through a gorgeous expanse of desert foothills on the Three Tank, Carrillo and Garwood trails.
Part of this hike is consistently uphill on rocky mountain steps. Bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking footwear, sun protection and hiking poles. The Sonoran Desert houses venomous insects to be aware of when hiking (snakes, bees, scorpions and spiders).
February is the cool season with high's around 70F, dry and sunny. Some plants and wildflowers may begin blooming.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging, although carpooling options to the trailhead can be arranged. Leader has secured a 3-bedroom home through Airbnb that can be shared with several participants (send me an email if you are interested). The Tucson airport would be the most convenient to fly into. There will be options for dining together and sharing free time activities.
Other fun things to see in Tucson during free time:
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tuscon Botanical Garden
Tohono Chul Gardens
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Old Tucson Studios
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Colossal Cave
Chiricahua National Monument
Picacho State Park, very easy hiking with lots of flowers
Madera Canyon, an amazing birding location
Karchner Caverns State Park
Pima Air and Space Museum
Titan Missile Museum
Mountains of Southern Arizona
-
Green Trails Santa Rita Mountains No. 2962S
Green Trails Saguaro No. 2910S
Green Trails Santa Catalina Mountains No. 2886S - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- Navigation
- Headlamp
- Sun protection
- First aid
- Knife
- Fire
- Shelter
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothes