Loma Verde Trail - Saguaro NP, AZ

Overview
Loma Verde Trail runs 2.3 miles from the Loma Verde Trailhead on Cactus Forest Loop to the Shantz Trail near Speedway Blvd. Along the way, you will have great views of Mt. Lemmon, Mica Mountain, and Tanque Verde Peak, as well as passing the historic Loma Verde Mine.


Hike
From the Loma Verde Trailhead, follow the trail as it winds its way north through the trees. In rapid succession, you will encounter Mesquite, Squeeze Pen, Monument Wash, and Cholla Trail. Past Cholla Trail, the desert opens up, and you are treated to great views of the Tucson basin and the surrounding mountains. At 0.7 miles from the trailhead, you will encounter a sign posted on your left that announces your arrival at the Loma Verde Mine. While the mine has been filled in and no longer looks like much, according to the NPS, it reached a depth of 350 feet in 1902!Past the mine, the trail continues heading almost directly north until it reaches the first of two intersections with Pink Hill Trail. From here, the two trails merge as you wind your way north, then east around Pink Hill. The two trails diverge at a spot just north of the hill: Loma Verde turns left, and Pink Hill turns right.

Continuing north from Pink Hill, the trail continues along its mostly northward path as it heads gently downhill. The grade is so gradual that it's almost impossible to tell you are losing elevation. Soon you will encounter a signed intersection on your left for the western section of Vanover Trail, followed by an additional sign on your right 0.2 miles further north for the eastern portion of Vanover Trail.

Heading north past the second intersection with Vanover Trail, Loma Verde will begin to lose elevation more rapidly. Soon you will drop into a tree-lined area where you will encounter the terminus with Shantz Trail. You can return the way you came or use one of the many other trails in the area to form your own loop.

Cumulative Mileage From Loma Verde TH:

Mesquite Trail	0.1 Miles
Squeeze Pen	0.2 Miles
Monument Wash	0.3 Miles
Cholla Trail	0.5 Miles
Loma Verde Mine	0.7 Miles
Pink Hill West	1.2 Miles
Pink Hill East	1.5 Miles
Vanover West	2.0 Miles
Vanover East	2.1 Miles
Shantz Trail	2.3 Miles

2012-06-16 keepmoving