Douglas Spring Trail
The Douglas Spring Trail is a 26.7 km hike in Saguaro National Park East. The full distance of the Douglas Spring Trail as reflected in this guide is a big trek that’s best suited to strong hikers. This route is also used by horseback riders. If you want to spend a full, beautiful day in Saguaro National Park East, this is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the saguaros and the mountain views. Keep in mind that there is a small fee required to use the trails in the park, and dogs are not permitted.
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Route Description for Douglas Spring Trail
The Douglas Spring Trail explores the northern edge of Tucson’s Saguaro National Park East. This park is a favorite for hikers in Tucson for its higher-elevation trails (in comparison to Saguaro National Park West) and classic desert views. This route explores the route in its entirety, so it’s a good fit for strong hikers. You can easily complete a shorter out and back or use the network of trails in the park to hike a shorter loop.
This is a big route, so come prepared with plenty of water, food, and sun protection. Don’t attempt this whole trail on a hot day, and try to get an early start to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Expect the possibility of horse traffic on this trail- remember to give riders the right of way and announce yourself from behind if you need to pass.
From the trailhead, take Douglas Spring Trail east past Scotts Knob. After a 4-way junction, the trail turns uphill to climb through a canyon. On the other side of the canyon, you’ll cross through another 4-way junction, continuing straight on. Once again, the trail ascends, then you’ll hike through a broad, flatter section with Tanque Verde Peak overhead. The route turns south and climbs to a 4-way junction just northeast of the peak, where you’ll turn back and retrace your steps to the trailhead.
Getting to the Douglas Spring Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Douglas Spring Trail is at the eastern end of E Speedway Boulevard.
Route Information
Douglas Spring Trail Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Shantz, Cholla, and Cactus Forest Loop
- Ernie’s Falls Hike
- Garwood Dam to Douglas Spring Loop
- Douglas Spring to Three Tank Trail Junction
- Garwood Trail
- Mica View to Cactus Forest Loop
- Wildhorse Trail
- Douglas Spring, Converse, and Wildhorse Loop
- Cactus Forest Trail
- Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, and Garwood Loop
- Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
- Tanque Verde Falls Trail