Saguaro Vista, Spine, and Desperado Loop

Route Description for Saguaro Vista, Spine, and Desperado Loop

The Saguaro Vista, Spine, and Desperado Loop is a wonderful easy Tucson's Sweetwater Preserve, a recreational park with notable desert views. With massive saguaros, the chance to spot wildlife, and lighter crowds than some of the park’s other trails, this is a great adventure. It’s good for kids, beginners, and hikers of all skill levels. Expect moderate traffic.

Part of this trail (the Spine) has loose, rocky footing, so be mindful of your step and consider wearing sturdy boots or bringing poles. Bring lots of water and try to time your hike outside of the heat of the day.

From the trailhead, take Saguaro Vista Trail on your right. Stay left at the first junction and enjoy the namesake of the trail, the saguaros that dot this part of the desert. Stay left at the fork and admire the low peaks around you. The route dips just outside the preserve and then doubles back. Stay right onto the Spine, hiking parallel to Sweetwater Wash. Go left onto Wildflower Ridge Trail and stay left twice as you make your way back to the trailhead.