Livestock in the Backcountry

General Regulations

• At Saguaro National Park, livestock is defined as mules, donkeys and horses only. All other animals, including pets and other livestock, are prohibited.
• Livestock are prohibited on the Tanque Verde Ridge and Miller Creek Trails and the last half mile of the Rincon Peak Trail.
• The maximum number of livestock allowed overnight at the Douglas Spring, Grass Shack, Spud Rock Spring and Happy Valley Saddle Campgrounds is 5 head.
• Free-trailing, loose herding, or tying livestock to trees is prohibited.
• Grazing livestock is prohibited within the park. You must provide your own feed. Weed- free pellets are recommended.
• Livestock droppings must be removed and scattered away from campgrounds.

 

Livestock at Manning Camp

Manning Camp, located in the heart of the Saguaro Wilderness Area, is the primary staging area for a variety of wilderness management functions. During the summer, both fire and trail crews use Manning Camp as their base of operation. Throughout the year, a variety of researchers also stay at Manning Camp while studying the plants and animals of the park.

The supplies needed to support these operations are carried into the Saguaro Wilderness Area by pack mules. Due to the number of livestock at Manning Camp, additional rules apply.

• All livestock at Manning Camp must be kept in the corrals. There are two small corrals and one large corral.
• When government-owned livestock are at Manning Camp, privately owned livestock are not permitted.
• The maximum number of livestock allowed overnight at Manning Camp is 10 head.
• Water for livestock is available at the troughs in the corrals during the summer months only.
• When water is not available in the troughs, livestock must be watered at the creek below the corrals.
• Livestock and people are not allowed within the fenced water storage pond above the dam.
• Livestock are not allowed in campsites at any time.
• Hitching rails are provided for loading/unloading only. Livestock must be loaded/unloaded at the hitching rail and supplies carried to/from your campsite.
• Do not put saddles on hitching rails or tie livestock to corral fences.
• Picketing or hobbling of livestock is not allowed at Manning Camp.
• Grazing livestock is prohibited within the park. You must provide your own feed. Weed- free pellets are recommended.