Sendero Esperanza Trail

Route Description for Sendero Esperanza Trail

With so many hikes to choose from in Tucson’s Saguaro National Park West, where do you start? Strong beginners and hikers after a viewpoint can try out the Sendero Esperanza Trail, a moderately challenging hike to a ridge with excellent views of Amole Peak, the Red Hills, and Wasson Peak. This route tends to be moderately busy.

Saguaro National Park West charges a modest day-use fee to enter and it does not allow dogs on the trails. Expect it to get hot in the afternoons out here and plan accordingly with an early start time and lots of water. We love ending our time in the park with a post-hike picnic, so consider doing the same if you want a longer day in the park.

From the trailhead, the route heads south towards the ridge that runs west from Amole Peak and Wasson Peak. At the only junction before the ridge, stay left. The trail is flat and relaxed until you begin your climb up the ridge. The views from the ridge are excellent, with the park’s signature sea of saguaros spreading out in all directions. Snap some photos before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.