For the start of our trip on Day 1 we will transfer from Tucson east towards Arizona’s Sky Island mountains and the Chiricahua Mountain Range. Along the way, we hike in Cochise Stronghold – the area where the Apache Cochise eluded capture for 10 years. (4 miles) After our hike, we head to the hidden DreamCatcher Inn – a secluded and unique B&B.
On Day 2, we’ll visit Chiricahua National Monument. Set aside by Congress in 1924, Chiricahua is the site of a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago that formed a thick layer of volcanic ash and pumice that has since eroded into many remarkable and varied rock formations. During our visit to Chiricahua, we will hike a patchwork of park trails commonly known as the Heart of Rocks Loop that passes many of these formations such as Balanced Rock, Rhyolite Canyon, and Echo Park (9 miles).
The Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson are our destination on Day 3, specifically the Kent and Bog Springs loop. This hike passes a series of springs that create an unusually lush riparian area with large numbers of birds and wildlife and large Arizona sycamore and walnut trees (5 miles). We transfer to Tucson for our last 3 overnights, to explore Saguaro National Park.
On Day 4, we go to the west section of the park and hike the tallest peak in the park – Wasson Peak. This trail is easy to follow and really well maintained, and boasts incredible views and abundant wildlife. Along the way, you will visit the remains of Gould Mine and enjoy spectacular desert scenery dotted with saguaro cacti of all shapes and sizes. (9 miles).
We’ll head north to the Santa Catalinas the morning of Day 5, where we will hike in the cool and popular Sabino Canyons. Our moderate hike takes us up Bear Canyon to the Seven Falls viewing area. (8.4 miles).
We move to the east section on our last Day 6, where we’ll hike a loop to the Wildhorse tank. We travel through the Saguaro forest in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains with views of the city and entire Green Valley below (5.8 miles). After our last picnic lunch among the many cacti of the Sonoran Desert, we head back to the Tucson airport and the close of our Chiricahua and Sonoran Desert Hiking Tour.
