Saguaro National Park - Trails Plan Implementation (U.S. National Park Service)

Laura Bolyard

The new Quilter Trail connects 807 miles backcountry landscape of Arizona.

Trail Improvements Continue at Saguaro National Park

After the July 2009 approval of the park's Comprehensive Trails Management Plan, Saguaro National Park has implemented changes called for in the plan. Using a variety of funding sources, these changes have been accomplished. This season the park's trail crew worked with a variety of partners and volunteer groups to complete trail work.

One of the most significant projects completed this season is the final piece of the Arizona Trail through the park. The 5-mile Quilter Trail (linking the Hope Camp and Manning Camp Trails) and the eastern extension of the Hope Camp Trail opened on April 2, 2011. Designated a National Scenic Trail, the 807 mile Arizona Trail traverses north-south across the state. The trail begins at Coronado National Memorial on the International border with Mexico, and ends on the Kaibab Plateau at the Utah state border.

Some more trails work completed during 2011includes:

Rincon Mountain District

· Construction of the Hope Camp Trail's eastern extension, connecting Hope Camp with the Arizona Trail on the park's southern boundary

· Construction of the Quilter Trail, connecting the Arizona Trail to the Manning Camp Trail

· Improvements to the Hope Camp Trail

· Construction of the Ruiz Trail, south of the Hope Camp Trail

· Construction of the Coyote Wash Trail, south of the Hope Camp Trail

· Improvements to the Carrillo Trail, south of the Douglas Springs Trail

Tucson Mountain District

· Construction of a new Sendero-Esperanza Trailhead (on Golden Gate Road), increasing capacity for vehicles and horse trailers

· Construction of the trail connecting Prophecy and Picture Rocks Washes

· Construction of the Signal Hill By-Pass Trail

· Conversion of the southern ends of the Cactus Wren and Manville Trails from hiker only to hiker and equestrian use

· Construction of minor re-routes, installation of trail signing and restoration of non-designated trails in the Scenic Drive and Continental Reserve area

· Installation of trail signing and restoration of non-designated trails in the Belmont/Abington Road areas

Saguaro Comprehensive Trail Management Plan

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

Cost-Benefit and Regulatory Flexibility Analyses

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