What sets it apart is how well it is laid out and marked. It is mostly easy terrain with a few intermediate sections throughout to keep things interesting. Leaving El Camino Del Cerro trailhead, you will follow Sweetwater Trail until you meet the junction with King Canyon Trail. Older sections rockier and more diverse. Sweetwater Trail hiking trail in Saguaro National Park West, Arizona. Got back down at 12:15PM, and the parking lot was a bit less full by then. Five2Ride: The Best Bike Trails near Tucson, AZ, Spring Break Singletrack Trek Part IV: Livin' on Tucson Time, Take 1. YeeeeHaaaa Tucson...What an amazing day I had here. The trail is remarkably well maintained, kudos to SDMB. Sweetwater Trail, located near Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District, Arizona is a 3.3 mile hiking, trail running and walking trail with a top elevation of 3863 feet. Weather Averages. It was amazing! The road dead ends at the parking lot after one mile. It also provides an outstanding opportunity to take in a large open space in the Tucson Mountains area and enjoy the natural desert setting. Company   Dogs on leash are permitted. Honestly, way later than I wanted and had to turn around early so that way I'd make it back in time to watch my football team. The view at the top encompassed all the surrounding mountains and cities below which was a pretty awesome view. Share what you know about this area! Singletracks Merch | Nice view. There were a good number of spots where I opted to hop off and carry the bike a short distance before proceeding. Great hike! The beginning of this trail is marked by a large, paved parking lot. This would be a grueling hike under the conditions present much of the year. Trailhead is OPEN. This is one of a few routes leading to Wasson Peak. Hiked today with my 5 kids ages 6-11, completed in about 4 hours. 14 Trails. Riding through all the cacti was very unique. I've been riding this trail fairly regularly over the past few months as it's close to home. The trails are well marked; there are several obvious loops. I rode Sweetwater for the first time today. "You are here" map signs found at every junction, making it impossible to get lost. At least not as a beginner myself. It is a fast, flowy and really fun loop which covers 4.16 miles. The next section of the trail will take you through a large wash and into a canyon that the trail stays in … It's short, but I rode it multiple times...you are literally riding between Saguaros. If you love the Sonoran desert this a beautiful hike amidst the rugged beauty of the desert. Nearly 10 miles round trip through rocky terrain, with the steepest climb coming in the final mile to the summit. It is a wonderful place to go biking. Easy to follow. Length 9.3 miElevation gain 2093 ftRoute type Out & back At the next junction a left turn provides a more challenging option, Red Canyon Trail. Trail running The Sweetwater Preserve is a 880+ acre preserve located in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains of Southern Arizona, west of Tucson. The Sweetwater Preserve features about thirteen miles of singletrack built by mountain bikers. New trails added making the total 16 miles. Tasty wolfberries (red) in spring. The signs at this intersection will point you north towards Wasson Peak. Sweetwater Trail is a hiking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District, AZ. I will definitely come back to make it to the peak. Sweetwater is awesome because there is a vast east side trail system that is windy, curvy, fast, and fun - and totally great for those starting out! Low . IMBA Epics | Sweetwater Wetlands (June 9) The City of Tucson will keep Sweetwater Wetlands open to the public with notices to help stem the spread of COVID-19. The Sweetwater Trail System has many trails and loops that be ridden in different orders and in different directions. Get directions, reviews and information for Sweetwater Preserve in Tucson, AZ. The recently completed "Desperado Loop" has become my go-to trail whenever I get a chance to introduce someone new to the sport. Sweetwater Preserve 4001 N Tortolita Rd Tucson AZ 85745. Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. Head west on El Camino del Cerro until you reach the trailhead parking lot. 2 Trails. I ran a bit and then walked when it became steeper, getting to the top at 10:45AM. It’s like summiting a mini mountain, so it’s rather cold at the top; wear layers. High . This trail system has more than doubled my abilities (but I still suck!). Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. ... Sweetwater Preserve. It's not unusual to spot deer, rabbits, quail and other wildlife while riding this spectacular saguaro forest. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. A pristine piece of desert nestled between existing development, it is truly a gem and holds one of the densest collections of saguaro cactus in the Tucson area. This is a very nice series of interconnected trails. This trail is a highlight memory...it really got me involved in mountain biking again! The Sweetwater Preserve is a 703.26 acre preserve located west of Tucson in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains of Southern Arizona. I'll definitely be back again for another ride. The scenery is awesome and it is worth checking out, but if you're a noob be prepared for some pucker-time. A trek to … Sweetwater is one of the newest additions to the Tucson trail-system, and its popularity has exploded. After 3 miles turn left on Tortolita Rd. Tucson Bike Rentals is now the only shop in town offering mountain bike rentals. Best MTB Gear | Well maintained, well marked. Everyone I encountered was friendly. I rode the full outside loop which is just under 11 miles. This is a beautiful hike up to wasson peak. Slime in tubes or tires is advisable. At about 1.6 miles in I had to turn around and the return trip was quite quick because it was all downhill. Great trail. Can be very cold and windy towards top. A new, bigger parking area is complete, but please be kind and considerate with the neighbors, as they’re not thrilled with all the cars parked at the end of the road. It’s absolutely beautiful and super easy to follow. The Sweetwater Trailhead (signposted along the road from I-10) has easy hikes that wander through dense stands of saguaro. One advantage of this trail is there is no need to pay a day fee for entry to Saguaro NP. The additions also would connect the park to the 880-acre Sweetwater Preserve. I’d suggest sturdy boots and lots of water. After less than 1/2 mile into the hike, you'll come to an intersection. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | A lot of rocks are in the trail. Very rocky, with beautiful views. Tortolita Preserve. This route seems to be the most popular. Mountain Trails. Advanced riders might be wanting a little more after. High speed lots of undulation, lots of sweeping turns . Turn left to continue on Sweetwater Trail. The view is worth it though! Would recommend! There is not a single direction to ride, so be careful as to who is around the corner. After finishing the loops turn right to climb the semi-technical Lost Arrow Trail. Good elevation climb but not super difficult. Enough challenge to kick the craving, and there are a few technical spots but really only good for a quick ride. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. Best Bike Trails | Not an easy hike by any means. Enjoy & research Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District, Arizona with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. We were there today; it's open. The saguaro vista trail is spectacular, try to do it in the golden hours right after sunrise or in the hour before sunset. Wasson Peak via Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trail, Saguaro Vista, Black Rock, Homestead and Oxbow Trail, Cactus Canyon and Gila Monster Loop via Thunderbird Trail, Saguaro Vista, Lost Arrow, Spine and Wildflower Ridge Loop, Vertical Cliffs Trail to Abington Trail Loop, Encinas Trail from Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic Area, Wildflower Ridge, Oxbow and Desperado Loop, Sweetwater Trail to the Sonoran Desert Museum. The trail was pretty clearly marked at the forks which was much appreciated, and the views were great! This is the best trail I have ridden in Arizona. 4 stars only because I'm stingy with the 5's. Support Us | The new desporado trail is great. Sweetwater Trail, Tucson. Last mile and a half after junction with King Canyon Trail and Hugh Norris Trail to the peak has fantastic views. To the creators of Sweetwater...THANK YOU! This is a multi … Very fast. Stay right to enter a thick forest of saguaros. Beautiful views the whole way! Widgets, Explore   At the top of a small pass, continue to the right on the "Black Rock" and "Sun Circle" loops. Love it! The next section of the trail will take you through a large wash and into a canyon that the trail stays in for the remainder of the hike. Sweetwater Reserve is a neighborhood of homes in Tucson Arizona offering an assortment of beautiful styles, varying sizes and affordable prices to choose from. It can be VERY hot in the summer months, so bring a hydration pack with at least 70-100 oz's of water and tools to fix a flat if you have a closer encounter with the flora on this trail. ... 1 Trails. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. You can bring the DH rig down Aspen Draw, and most of Mount Lemmon can be ridden on a mid to long travel trail bike. This is considered the best trail in Tucson for those looking for a scenic, rocky ride that is technically challenging. This trail is almost all flow with some of the best Tucson scenery. Relatively new hiker. The trails are well marked; there are several obvious loops. Anything visitors can do to keep Sweetwater Wetlands "looking good" on their visits will be a tremendous boost. As a relative noob to MTB I really enjoyed some of the trails. Ride it! The tall Seguaro are beautiful and numerous, yet they shouldn't get in the way unless you really screw up. Great trail, easy up to the first saddle and then a leg buster for the last mile. After less than 1/2 mile into the run, you'll come to an intersection. Marking are very clear, no way to get lost in here. a nice day at the range! Every decision point is shown and the trail itself is a great mix of smooth flowy singletrack with some technical sections thrown in. Liam Kennedy and Chase Shoults might not have lasting memories of their recent trip on the Sweetwater Trail. Great views on all sides. OutOfThisVanSweetwater Trail is located on the west side of Tucson and is covered in Saguaro cactus. The acres ( sq. Some climbing, but not crazy. Easy to a few technical rock garden type spots. I would rate most of it Beginner/Intermediate. 8 Trails. Great views the whole way up, gradual grades get steeper near the top, and the final stretch along the ridge has epic views in all directions. SDMB has been working hard to add new sections. Job well done! Great technical spots, climbs and great flow. Lots of options and the trail keeps you honest. Definitely worth the trip. 11 Reviews. Elevations are fairly consistent, no sharp inclines, but if you can't keep moving you will lose your momentum and be walking. 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