Bajada Vista Trail - Saguaro NP, AZ

Overview: Bajada Vista is a short trail that connects Wildhorse Trail to Squeeze Pen. Aptly named, the trail provides decent views of the Tucson Basin and makes a good location to watch the sunset.


Hike: Bajada Vista heads west from Wildhorse trail as it begins its gradual descent through the desert. You are immediately treated to expansive views to your west where the desert appears to stretch on forever. While most of Tucson is not readily visible from Bajada Vista during the day, at night the nearest houses begin to appear as they turn on their lights.

The further you follow Bajada Vista, the more the trail will twist and turn as it works its way through the desert. Although the curviness is evident while hiking, it becomes much more pronounced when trail running. Combining the curves with the gradual decrease in elevation can make this section feel much like a roller coaster when running.

At 0.5 miles, if you look carefully to your left you can see a decommissioned segment of Kennedy Trail stretching into the desert to the south. Past the old trail, Bajada Vista will make a sharp turn to the north for a short stretch before curving west again and arriving at the junction with Squeeze Pen Trail.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2012-07-08 keepmoving