Discover the Southwest’s most intriguing ecosystem—from saguaro-covered desert floor to high mountain forests

This trip is both for those who already love the Southwest and for those who have yet to discover it. Arizona hosts a variety of habitats, from the high mountain forests of the Sierra Madre to the arid lowlands of the Colorado River. It is also home to the wettest and lushest desert in the United States, the Sonoran. Famous for its grandest specimen, the saguaro cactus, the Sonoran Desert also encompasses national forests, with islands of trees at high elevations, and some of the most beautiful, sweeping vistas in our country.

Our exploration brings us to a historic lodge at the edge of the Superstition Mountains where we stay near an oasis on the banks of the Salt River. We blend brilliant sun-drenched day hiking with comfortable lodges, great views, and stunning sunsets. We visit famous Sabino Canyon on the outskirts of Tucson. We hike in the Santa Catalina Mountains where a trip from the bottom to the top is like going from Mexico to Canada, from the saguaro cactus at its base, to thick spruce at its summit. A great late fall and early spring getaway!

Activities

6 days moderate hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A great late fall and early spring getaway!
• Learn about the intriguing ecosystem of the lushest desert in North America
• Sun-drenched hiking days with distinctive lodging
• Visit the world famous Sonoran Desert Museum

Duration: 6 days Start Location: Phoenix End Location: Phoenix

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : McDowell Sonoran Preserve

  We'll head northeast toward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Tom's Thumb trailhead.  We begin our trip with a great climb into rambling granite boulders.  At our summit we can take in the whole Valley of the Sun.  (4 miles -  800 feet gain and loss)

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  Day 2 : Mountains and Rivers of the Tonto National Forest

  We'll hike to the base of Bulldog Cliffs. Hike to the summit of Bulldog Cliffs (1000') for sweeping views of Tonto National Forest. After lunch, we'll kayak the lower Salt River. (4 miles hiking 1000 feet gain and loss, 3 miles kayaking)

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  Day 3 : Pusch Ridge Wilderness

  It is only a couple of hours to drive from Saguaro Lake to the Santa Catalina Mountains. This leaves us plenty of time for a great afternoon hike.   We start walking in Catalina State Park and are soon in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. The Wilderness area ranges from 2800-9100 feet.  This is one of the most precipitous rises in the southwest.   In fact if you were to hike the entire mountain it would be like taking a trip from Mexico to Canada.  (4-6 miles - 400-1000 feet)

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  Day 4 : Saguaro National Park and the Sonoran Desert Museum

  Hike the high desert forests of Saguaro National Park and take an optional hike to the summit of Wasson Peak (4,687'), the highest peak in the Tuscon Mountains. Lunch and exploration at the world-renowned Sonoran Desert Museum.

  (3.5-7 miles - 600-1700 feet gain and loss)

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  Day 5 : Sabino Canyon and Seven Falls

  Starting at the base of Sabino Canyon we move into Bear Canyon and hike upstream to Sevin Falls.  It is rare to have water in the desert.  This is one of the most stunnig places in the Sonoran Desert.

  (5 miles hiking- 650 feet gain and loss)

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  Day 6 : Superstition Mountains Wilderness

  Depart for the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains.  This route from the southern end of the Superstion Wilderness takes us up to a ridge overlooking Weaver's Needle (5 miles - 1200 feet gain and loss)

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  Saguaro Lake Ranch

  Tonto National Forest

  Established in 1930, the Ranch is a historic oasis in the Tonto National Forest.  It lies on the banks of the Salt River, just below ten-mile long Saguaro Lake and in the shadow of the scenic Goldfield Mountain Range. 

  Guests are welcomed in our rustic ranchettes and in our main ranch lodge, with its unique four-sided stone fireplace, wagon wheel lights, chimayo drapes and many historic and interesting artifacts. 

  The Ranch is a perfect place to relax and escape the hectic city life.  We have no phones or televisions in the rooms, but they are available in the main lodge.

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  Westward Look Resort

  Tucson, AZ

  It’s tranquil, yet mesmerizing. Private, yet wide open. A distinctive Tucson hotel where historic charm and modern luxury unite. Welcome to Westward Look Resort…Tucson’s first and finest resort.

  Built in the early 1900s, our 80-acre, certified green resort is flawlessly set at the base of the striking Santa Catalina Mountains. A favorite Tucson hotel and vacation destination, Westward Look offers visitors of all ages the joy of getting close to nature with on-site hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Views of the mountains and city below abound, creating a true sense of serenity.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: john baston