Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [363]
Freeman Homestead Trail
1 mile RT. Easy. Access: Off Cactus Forest Dr., on the Javelina Picnic Area access road.
This walk through gently rolling desert terrain offers good panoramic views as well as close-up views of saguaro, ocotillo, and other desert plants. Along the way, you'll find several interpretive signs describing desert life as well as the remains of the Freeman Homestead, a three-room adobe house built by Safford Freeman in 1929. All that's left is a mound of dirt from the adobe bricks.
LONGER TRAILS
Cactus Forest Trail
5 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Near the east end of Broadway Blvd., just east of Freeman Rd.
This sandy, level trail, which is also accessible from two points on the Cactus Forest Drive, is simply a very pleasant walk. It passes through though a forest of cactus, primarily saguaro; a variety of other desert plants, such as paloverde and mesquite; and large beehive-shaped lime kilns dating from about 1880.
Douglas Spring Trail
6 miles one-way (to Douglas Spring Campground). Strenuous. Access: East end of Speedway Blvd.
This trail through the foothills of the Rincon Mountains starts off fairly level but gradually becomes steeper. It then alternates between steep and flat sections all the way to Douglas Spring Campground. Along the way you'll find lots of cactus, especially prickly pear, and some interesting rock formations. Signs of damage from a devastating 1989 fire can still be seen here, as well as the results of revegetation. The trail continues beyond the campground, providing access to other backcountry trails. You need a backcountry permit to stay overnight at the campground (see "Camping," below).
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
6.9 miles one-way (to Juniper Basin Campground). Strenuous. Access: Javelina Picnic Area off Cactus Forest Dr.
This trail offers splendid panoramic views as it follows a ridgeline northeast into the wilderness area. You'll see saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and other cactus for a while, and then pinyon, juniper, and some oak as you climb higher into the foothills. The Juniper Basin Campground, at 6,000 feet, is 2,900 feet higher than the trailhead. Although the trail continues, this is a good spot for day-hikers to turn around. See "Exploring the Backcountry," below, for information on forging ahead.
Exploring the Backcountry
All the park's backcountry hiking and camping opportunities are in the Rincon Mountain District (the eastern section), which includes the 59,930-acre Rincon Mountain Wilderness. Varying considerably in elevation, this area contains both hot desert sprinkled with saguaro and other cacti, and relatively cool forests of pine and mixed conifer. The main routes into the backcountry are the Douglas Spring trailhead and Tanque Verde Ridge trailhead, which are discussed above. From these two trails, you have access to more than 100
miles of connecting trails, as well as the park's six backcountry campgrounds (see "Camping," below). Dirt roads lead to several other trailheads; check with park rangers for directions and current conditions. Rangers strongly suggest that those going into the backcountry carry topographical maps, which can be purchased at either visitor center. Backcountry camping requires a permit (see "Fees," above).
Other Sports & Activities
Biking. Bikes are permitted on the scenic drives in both districts. Tucson Bicycles, 4743 E. Sunrise Dr. (☎ 520/ 577-7374; www.tucsonbicycles.com) rents front- and full-suspension mountain bikes for $25 to $35 per day.
Horseback Riding. Horseback riding is permitted on most trails in both districts of the park, although horses are not allowed off-trail. Horses may be kept overnight in the backcountry campgrounds in the Rincon Mountain District. Manning Camp has a corral; at the other backcountry campgrounds, riders should secure horses with a picket rope slung between two trees. Get details from park