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    Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    2.5-3.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    155 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    The Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop shows off the lovely scenery in Tucson’s Sweetwater Preserve, one of our favorite spots in the city for a hike. With tall saguaros next to you and the mountains in the distance, it’s a charmer of a trail. There are some sections of the route that have loose rocks, but otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward adventure that we’d recommend for anyone.

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    Route Description for Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop

    The Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop is a pleasant hiking and mountain biking route in Tucson's always charming Sweetwater Preserve. With huge saguaros, some wildlife to spot, and mountain views in the distance, this is a great adventure. We especially enjoy it at dusk.

    Bring lots of water and try to time your hike outside of the heat of the day. Should you want to keep adventuring after this hike, there are lots of connecting trails you can choose to explore. Bring a trail map if you plan to wander. This route is shared by hikers and mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for each other.

    From the trailhead, take Saguaro Vista Trail on your right. Stay right at the first two junctions and enjoy the namesake of the trail, the saguaros that cover this part of the desert. Where the loop splits, go left onto the Sun Circle Loop, then hop back onto Saguaro Vista. At the next split, go left again onto the Black Rock Loop. This will take you up and around the panhandle of the park. Return to the original trail and then go right to hike southwest through the large loop, crossing the Sweetwater Wash on Homestead Trail. Take a left onto Oxbow Trail and follow this back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop is past the end of N Tortolita Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-May

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop Elevation Graph

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    Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, and Oxbow Loop Reviews

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