Hike or Ride Garwood Loop, Saguaro National Park, Arizona

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Take the Douglas Spring Trail to the Garwood Trail and turn right. You’ll enter the kind of cactus forest that inspired the creation of the parkland here in 1933. Stay on the Garwood Trail all the way south to the Carrillo Trail, taking care at the junctions with Bajada Vista and Wildhorse Trails as it can be confusing for those new to the trail system. At the intersection with the Carrillo Trail, turn left and head toward the location of the old Garwood Ranch. On the slope below the trail, Nelson Garwood built a home in the late 1950’s. Be sure to visit the nearby dam which provided a reliable water supply throughout the year. (Walking on dam is unsafe and prohibited.) From here, the path bears left and goes into the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. Although this area has a long history of cattle grazing, and many trail and place names reflect this history, the last grazing lease in the park expired in 1979. Remain on the Carrillo Trail to the steel tank, once supplied by Rock Spring. Drought in the early 21 st century dried up this water source. Emilio Carrillo was the original owner of today’s Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. Find the trail sign in the wash below and remain on the Carrillo Trail heading north in picturesque hills with splendid views of the Catalina Mountains and Tanque Verde Valley. After descending from the ridge, turn left on the Douglas Spring Trail and descend 1.6 miles to the trailhead.

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