An easy loop hike in Saguaro National Park (no fee) that takes you past an old mine, a picnic area, and some ancient petroglyphs.

STATS
Level 1️⃣ (about the rating system - [ Ссылка ])
Length: 2.6 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Δ: 360 feet
Main attraction: Petroglyphs
Trailhead: [ Ссылка ]


DESCRIPTION
The west half of Saguaro National Park is home to several abandoned mines, lots on ancient petroglyphs, and beautiful desert views. his hike packs all 3 into less than 3 miles of trail.

The King Canyon Trailhead, across the street from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, sits right at the edge of the park but it's maintained by Pima County, so there's no fee to park.

After you check the map and use the provided brush to remove any invasive seeds from your shoes, head down into the wash on the left at the super early fork. Once at the bottom, you'll go "downstream" towards the road. Keep an eye out for a trail sign on the right.

Rising up from the canyon on the Gould Mine trail, you'll catch a glimpse of the road before turning into the park. There's an old fence and another trail sign marking the official entrance. The rest of the climb to the mine is pretty steady and filled with amazing views in the morning sunlight.

When you reach the Sendero Esperanza trail, the Mam-A-Gah picnic area will be to the right. Since you're already so close to the actual Gould Mine though, it's worth a quick detour. Head left up the trail past an old stone building and you'll come to a large flat spot on the hillside. The dirt has turned orange from the rusted iron in the tailings and you can actually walk right across the top of the old mine shaft.

When you've checked out the views, head back down the Sendero Esperanza trail an keep an eye out for a hilltop ramada on your right. There's an unofficial trail up to it, as well as a signed junction shortly thereafter. The Mam-A-Gah picnic area features several concrete tables, a few barbeques, and a wooden ramada that provides welcome shade on a sunny day.

Just below the picnic area is an old stone outhouse built in the first half of the 20th century. Make your way past it on the web of trails in the area until you're back in the bottom of the King Canyon wash.

Head downstream once again and look for a "Hikers Only" sign indicating that stock animals can go no further. There are some petroglyphs on the rocks on the hill behind the sign, but the main attraction is a little furth down canyon.

When you come to the first large drop, where it looks like there'd be an epic waterfall if there were enough water, look around at the canyon walls. You'll find dozens of pictures etched into the rock by those who lived in the area hundreds of years ago.

Continue down the canyon and keep an eye out for wildlife. The canyon is the best place to find shade and water. On this video you'll see an encounter with a Gila Monster, a large venomous lizard.

When the slops of the canyon flatten out and you can start to hear the sound of passing cars again, you're not far from the parking lot. Look out for the trail sign on the left and your last short incline behind it. Don't forget to brush your shoes once more before leaving to remove any hitchhiking seeds from spreading.

CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:12 - Trailhead to the Gould Mine trail junction
0:21 - Gould Mine trail to King Canyon wash junction
1:06 - Gould Mine trail to Sendero Esperanza trail junction
19:54 - Sendero Esperanza trail to Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area
29:43 - Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area
32:44 - The old stone outhouse
35:17 - King Canyon wash
44:17 - Gila Monster
44:41 - More of King Canyon wash
51:38 - Back to the trailhead
52:38 - Then Sings My Soul (kalimba)


QUESTIONS
1. What else do you want to know about this hike?
2. What hike would you like to see next?

Let me know in the comments.


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