Saguaro National Park is divided into two parts by the city of Tucson, aptly named Saguaro East and Saguaro West. Not terribly creative.
The east side has more high peaks through the Rincon Range, however the west side has a higher concentration of the Saguaro cactus that the park is named for.
We picked a combo hike – the Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, Three Tank, Garwood Loop is a 7.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that looked like our style.
Going on a weekend guarantees lots of fellow hikers, and we were amazed at just how many people were out enjoying the park.
It’s amazing to find a well-flowing waterfall in the Desert Southwest, but Bridal Wreath Falls does not disappoint, and there were several groups of hikers here enjoying lunch, playing in the pools, or just generally relaxing.
Dry and Dusty
Colette takes a moment to look out over the dry dusty landscape of Saguaro National Park East.
Oasis in the Desert
Bridal Wreath Falls is an unexpected find in the middle of this desert landscape.
Sentinels
The kings of the desert stand tall above clumps of Prickly Pear, Ocotillo, Chollo and Barrel Cactus.
Path of Least Resistance
Following a natural wash is almost always the flattest, easiest route if you can tolerate the tiring effect of walking through the soft sand.
