Douglas Springs Trailhead – Saguaro National Park

Where the **** have I been lately?
Here, with the kids, trudging this network of «easy level» cactus forest trails at Saguaro National Park East! I’m pretty sure that my daughter’s favorite part is getting to pee outside, but she’s also into the Junior Ranger program that the visitor’s center offers.
There’s hardly any elevation, so I don’t have to worry about one of the little guys plummeting off the side of a mountain. The Rincon Mountains are off in the distance, although there are some more difficult wilderness trails that will lead you up there.
National Park Service publishes a brochure that includes a map as well as a few recommended hikes ranging from .25 miles to 5.8 miles round trip, but you can also put together your own routes once you exhaust those options.
I’m surprised that I don’t see any other families out on the trails… it’s usually older folks that look a little more hard core than my ragtag bunch.
I got a Fitbit Charge for my birthday, so now I’m fully aware of how sedentary my lifestyle had become. Ignorance WAS bliss. This is a painless way to get in those steps, take in the majestic beauty that the Sonoran desert has to offer and, most importantly, wear out those kids for the rest of the day.

Just went for a nice leisure hike, I absolutely love these trails. You can go for 40 minutes or an all day hike. So much nature and wildlife to see, we saw a jack rabbit today, he just stood there staring at us! The one thing I don’t love is no dogs allowed, my baby would love waking these trails with me. All in all a great experience, a must if you love hiking the great outdoors.

This area of Saguaro National Park EAST is easy to access and has a lot of different trails that you can connect to. All those trails can be used to make an in and out hike or be more creative and do a loop hike. Most of the terrain in this area is pretty flat with several short hills here and there.
If you decide to take the Douglas Spring Trail towards Bridal Wreath Falls keep in mind that you will hit a 1,000′ elevation gain in a single section making it a bit of climb. However, it is totally worth it!
Amazing places with a very diverse flora and views that are incomparable!

This is one of the most accessible trailheads in Tucson. Drive to the east end of Speedway, park your car, and literally 30 seconds later be on the trail.
Besides access to the challenging namesake trail, you can jump onto numerous other shorter and flatter trails from here for a quick workout.
Know before you go:
There are no toilets at the trailhead, neither is there any water. Take care of these needs beforehand.
Parking is limited in the small lot, so during the winter high season, be prepared to park along Speedway during the peak morning hiking time.
As in most of the desert, all of the trails are exposed to the sun, so make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and other proper clothing.