Saguaro NP - Arizona Trail

imported
#1

Walked a great segment last weekend - Saguaro NP.
The ranger at the visitor center was a big help with the permits (they’ll work with you).
Lots and lots of bear scat on the Heartbreak Ridge trail, including one pile that must have indicated Sasquatch.
A helipad is being constructed near Manning Camp, and a young trail crew is working on keeping the route reasonably clear. We’d planned on following the 4WD road out from Italian Trap wash to Redington Road just like the book directed, but found a new (?) trail across the wash when we got there.
This segment has some of the better scenery on the Az Trail and for the most part was a pleasure to walk.

kingmancruiser

#2

Nothing like a good Helipad in a Wilderness Area, I always say. The walk-in can be such a chore sometimes.

Kudos to the trail crew though. Is there really a connection?

blisterfree

#3

I notice the Heartbreak Ridge Trail is not on the AZT route. I’m curious how you fit that in. Did you hike in from the Rincon Valley via Hope Camp? I did a few weeks ago, via Madrona Station and Grass Shack, and there is no connection on that side from Rincon Creek to Madrona–it’s a bushwhacking route, not too hard. I got an overnight camping permit for Manning, but I’ll admit I did not discuss my AZT route with the rangers on the advice of an ATA member–the Madrona entrance is closed to hikers, for instance. I told them I was in and out of Italian Trap TH, a little white lie. They were very pleased when I stopped by and gave a water report for the whole AZT route, though.

On the north side, I found the Italian Spring Trail to be excellent within the Park (stone steps and all), but steep, loose, and a little difficult just north of the Park boundary.

Garlic

#4

We took the trail from Miller creek on the east side of the park. There are AzT signs along the way. That trail feeds into Heartbreak Ridge. It must have been the original “AzTrail”, because the preceding segment, Happy Valley has been mentioned as not being “officially designated” or whatever. And I guess it won’t be. There’s a good Irish bar in the community where the road to the trailhead starts. Have a beer, and drive 13 miles north on Mescal road to the TH. The scenery, especially on the trail going down the north slope is spectacular.
(Running out of adjectives for the Trail after all these segments)

kingmancruiser