Route Editor
Route Scout
Around we go! by keepmoving Overview: Shantz Trail runs all the way from Wildhorse Trailhead to Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Along the way it passes the Wentworth Access and Cactus Forest Trailhead. Since it stretches across a large portion of Saguaro NP and intersects with multiple paths, it is one of the best trails to use when forming your own loop. Hike: From Wildhorse Trail, head west on Shantz Trail as it climbs a small hill and begins to descend a series of stone steps. Very soon the trail will drop into a flat area and pass a signed intersection with the Bajada Wash Trail on your left. Past Bajada Wash, the trail will begin to curve more to the southwest and climb a small hill before intersecting with Kennedy Trail on the left. As you move past Kennedy Trail, Shantz will begin to curve to the northwest and work its way up a small hill. Soon the trial will obtain the top of a small ridge that parallels Speedway Blvd for a short distance. The trail will now begin to curve southwest, away from the road as it works its way to the intersection with Monument Wash. Crossing Monument Wash, Shantz Trail will begin to enter one of the only shaded portions you will encounter. Here Mesquite and Palo Verde trees for a thick canopy that shelters the trail from sun for most of the day. You will soon arrive at a marked intersection with Loma Verde Trail. Enjoy the last of your shade, as you continue east from this junction the trail will soon leave the trees. Yet despite the lack of shade, the area that approaches Loma Verde Wash is grassy and often green, even during the driest summer months. Past Loma Verde Wash, the trail is relatively flat and crosses through a rather open section of desert. As you approach Wentworth Rd, you will be able to see houses ahead of you through the desert and the trail will take a sharp turn south. Shantz Trail will parallel Wentworth Rd for a short ways, and then curve southeast to a marked intersection with Vanover Trail. Past Vanover Trail, you will once again curve southeast and pass a marked intersection announcing your arrival at the Wentworth Access Point. Shantz Trail will continue south past this and you will have occasional views to your east of the Tucson BLM office. At 2.9 miles you will arrive at the intersection with the Pink Hill Trail. Past Pink Hill, Shantz will turn east as it approaches the Broadway Trailhead. In rapid succession you will pass the Cactus Forest Trail and Mica View Trails on your left as Shantz continues west past the Broadway Trailhead. This final segment of Shantz Trail will turn south as it heads towards Cactus Forest Drive. This 1.4 mile stretch is the longest uninterrupted segment of Shantz Trail. As you approach mile 4.5, Mica View Rd will become visible on your left as Shantz gradually curves east to parallel the road. The trail will terminate at a relatively unremarkable section of Cactus Forest Loop Drive. You can either return the way you came, or walk a couple of feet east along Cactus Forest Drive and turn left onto the unpaved road that leads to the Mica View Picnic Area and other trails. Cumulative Mileage from Wildhorse Trail: Bajada Wash 0.2 Kennedy Trail 0.4 Monument Wash 1 Loma Verde Trail 1.1 Loma Verde Wash 1.6 Vanover Trail 2.4 Pink Hill Trail 2.9 Cactus Forest Trail 3.3 Mica View Trail 3.4 Cactus Forest Drive 4.7 Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
A nice trip to Garwood Dam via Pink Hill - we had not been there before, odd/interesting site - I really enjoyed reading the information in this document - http://www.gvrhc.org/Library/GarwoodRanchUpdate.pdf - about the Garwood Ranch in the Green Valley Hiking Club Library.
Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/sets/72157632509581786/
Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmiles/sets/72157632509581786/
2013-01-12 camiles
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Took an evening hike to watch the sunset. Ended up staying out past dark and walking back with my headlamp.
When I was walking along the road to get back to my truck I encountered some spider marching along the road with near military precision. There were two groups of them: each about 2 feet long marching in perfect straight lines, headed due west. I have never seen anything like it before and the only thing I could think of was in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry & Ron follow the spiders that are fleeing the castle to Aragog and learn that Slytherin's Monster is a Basalisk
. And thats when I realized I have read Harry Potter too many times...
When I was walking along the road to get back to my truck I encountered some spider marching along the road with near military precision. There were two groups of them: each about 2 feet long marching in perfect straight lines, headed due west. I have never seen anything like it before and the only thing I could think of was in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry & Ron follow the spiders that are fleeing the castle to Aragog and learn that Slytherin's Monster is a Basalisk
. And thats when I realized I have read Harry Potter too many times...2012-07-07 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
I decided it had been too long since I last visited the Broadway Trailhead and decided to take a quick evening run. Instead of planning my run in advance- I left my maps behind and just let my legs choose what direction to turn at the junctions. I ended up having my first snake encounter of the year, and one of my closest run-ins to date. I came out of a sharp corner and upset a rattlensake that was basking in the middle of the trail! I was forced to jump off the trail into prickly pear, but at least thorns are better than being bitten!
2012-03-31 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Went for a run from Broadway trailhead. Didn't really know how long of a run my legs were up for, so I just took off with no real destination in mind. It was nice and cloudy out for most of the time I was on the trail, I even had a couple small showers. Ended up running from the Broadway Trailhead, south to Loma Verde Trailhead, back north to Douglas Spring Trailhead, then swung south to Pink Hill and worked my way back to where I started. I think I covered nearly every trail between Speedway & Cactus Forest Drive!
2011-08-10 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Another mid day run in SNP while the thermometer read 95+ degrees outside. I was actually surprised to find another vehicle at the trailhead when I arrived, and a 2nd one pull up as I was grabbing my gear. I guess Im not the only person who loves to play outside in the heat?
Ran Shantz to the Pink Hill Lookout, then took Squeeze Pen South to Carrillo Trail. Followed Carrillo trail to the junction with Garwood Trail, then backtracked to Deer Valley Trail and returned to the parking lot via Pink Hill.
Ran Shantz to the Pink Hill Lookout, then took Squeeze Pen South to Carrillo Trail. Followed Carrillo trail to the junction with Garwood Trail, then backtracked to Deer Valley Trail and returned to the parking lot via Pink Hill.
2011-07-15 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
I'm really getting into exploring the network of trails in Saguaro National Park East! The trails are well maintained and work great for running: allowing me to cover a good amount of ground in a very short period of time. I took a quick evening run from the Broadway Trailhead over towards the Loma Verde Mine & looped back. Encountered 5 other trail runners and only two hikers.
2011-05-30 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Trail run from the Speedway Trailhead to the Broadway Trailhead and back again. Didn't start with any specific destination in mind, just let my feet carry me and my mind wander (stuck to only right turns on the run out, and left turns on the way back). Nice day: quite sunny, but the temperature was in the 60s/70s with a nice breeze. Had two pause briefly on two occasions when I encountered horse riders. Luckily I did not encounter any rattlesnakes.
2011-05-10 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
I hurt my calves running recently and figured a nice flat stroll through Saguaro National Park would help loosen them. Started around 5pm and wandered along several or the trails with no real destination in mind. It was a nice day to be on trail- temperature was just right and I didn't encounter anyone else on the trails! Just about time to start doing night hikes...
2011-04-21 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Took a little midnight stroll through Saguaro National Park East. Beautiful night to be outside and have the entire park to myself. Saw a decent amount of wildlife and took my time to experiment with taking night time photos. Started to sprinkle as soon as I got back in my truck.
2010-08-26 keepmoving
Shantz Trail - Saguaro NP
Night time hike to avoid the daytime heat. Started at the east end of Broadway and wandered through Saguaro National Park. Saw more wildlife than I have seen on a hike in a long time: Rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, more tarantulas than I could count, and a scorpion that looked like it could take down a cow!
2010-08-13 keepmoving
