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Popular Trails in the Saguaro Desert

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Table of Contents:

Ironwood
Camelback
North Mountain
Piestawa Peak
South Mountain
Saguaro

Ironwood

This 129,000-acre national monument contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000 year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Camelback

Sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers, though. THe main two summit trails are strenuous climbs over sometimes-tricky trails. Some easier trails allow close-up exploration around Camelback’s base. Wherever you go be prepared for crowds -- limited parking can mean a substantial wait for a spot at these busy trailheads.

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North Mountain

At 2,104 feet, North Mountain is a landmark Phoenix peak in its own right -- a trek to the summit offers panoramic views of the city. But the North Mountain area offers more than summit climbs; a wide variety of trails of all levels of difficulty offer something for everybody.

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Piestawa Peak

Surrounding the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Park are gateways into diverse desert that offers everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. Thousands of hikers each year hike the popular trail to the summit of Piestewa Peak. But you don't have to fight crowds to enjoy the area -- the area boasts dozens of miles of trails that get you away from the crowds and into the glory of the Sonoran Desert.

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South Mountain

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve often is referred to as the largest municipal park in the country. It boasts 58 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels skills.

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Saguaro

The staff at Saguaro National Park invite you to “Experience Your America” in a way that only the Sonoran Desert can offer. This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. Visitors of all ages are fascinated and enchanted by these desert giants, especially their many interesting and complex interrelationships with other desert life. Saguaro cacti provide their sweet fruits to hungry desert animals. They also provide homes to a variety of birds, such as the Harris’ hawk, Gila woodpecker and the tiny elf owl. Yet, the saguaro requires other desert plants for its very survival. During the first few years of a very long life, a young saguaro needs the shade and protection of a nurse plant such as the Palo Verde tree. With an average life span of 150 years, a mature saguaro may grow to a height of 50 feet and weigh over 10 tons.
While most visitors to Saguaro National Park choose a leisurely drive on one of our scenic loop drives, those eager for an escape from the rigors of city life often opt to explore the park on one of our many trails. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat and easy strolls in the Sonoran Desert to steep and rugged hikes into the Rincon Mountains, visitors of every ability have a place to get out of the car and explore.

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