Five trailheads lead into the Saguaro Wilderness Area. To help you plan your trip, we have separated these trailheads by the level of difficulty it takes to reach a particular trailhead. Access to the Saguaro Wilderness Area is not available from the south boundary of the park, which includes the Camino Loma Alta Trailhead and Madrona. There is no public access to Madrona, which is permanently closed and is not staffed at any time. Access to the Saguaro Wilderness Area via the Miller Creek, Turkey Creek and Italian Spring Trailheads is through United States Forest Service (USFS) lands. For information about the Coronado National Forest, call (520) 670-4552. Trailhead Elevation Easy Access The Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead is located off the park’s scenic loop drive, within the Javelina Picnic Area. Vehicle access to the Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead is available from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily. The scenic loop drive is closed and locked nightly. The Douglas Spring Trailhead is located at the east end of Speedway Boulevard and is accessible 24 hours per day. Due to this easy access, vehicle break-ins have occurred at this trailhead. Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle - visible or otherwise. Many wilderness users choose to have a friend drop them off and pick them up rather than leaving a vehicle at this trailhead. Moderate Access The Turkey Creek Trailhead turnoff is one-half mile beyond the Miller Creek turnoff. Look for USFS Route #4408 and turn left. Vehicles without high clearance and 4-wheel-drive will not be able to negotiate the last 1.6 miles of road leading to the Turkey Creek Trailhead. Both the Miller Creek and Turkey Creek Trailheads are located on USFS lands; you must hike an additional 1.5 miles on either trail to reach the boundary of Saguaro National Park. Difficult Access From the beginning of the gravel, travel 9.6 miles to USFS Route #37 and turn right. Vehicles with 4- wheel - drive and high clearance may drive an additional 2.6 miles to the Italian Spring Trailhead. This trailhead is located on USFS lands; you must hike an additional 5.1 miles to reach the boundary of Saguaro National Park. |
Last updated: March 31, 2012