Overview: When the summer monsoons roll into Tucson, they soak the desert and release the smell of creosote. While you can experience this simple pleasure on almost any trail in Tucson, why not experience it on the aptly named Creosote Trail in Saguaro National Park?
Hike: From the Wildhorse Trail, Creosote Trail heads west and immediately enters a small forest of Creosote. This dense section of creosote smells fantastic during monsoon season, yet is close enough to the Wildhorse and Douglas Spring trailheads to retreat during a downpour. Past the forest, the trail dips into Bajada Wash where it meets a signed intersection with the Bajada Wash Trail. Continuing several yards past the marked intersection, you will encounter an unsigned T intersection. You want to take the left fork and follow Creosote Trail up the small hill. A right turn onto this unofficial trail would have you parallel Bajada Wash and intersect with Shantz trail in .2 miles.
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Creosote Trail heads almost directly south as it climbs the hill out of Bajada Wash. The trail will momentarily level out, before it begins to head west and drop back into a small valley. You will climb back out of this small valley and immediately dip into a 2nd one. After climbing out of the 2nd valley, the trail will gradually loose elevation until it ends at Kennedy Trail.
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.
Permit $$
NPS
Saguaro National Park 2022 $25 vehicle • $20 motorcycle • $15 individual on foot or bicycle
Receipt is valid for 7 days
$45 Annual Park Pass View All
No fee required from Miller Creek Trailhead off Mescal Rd.
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To Douglas Spring Trailhead From I-10 & Speedway Blvd exit #257, travel East on Speedway Blvd 17.4 miles to the trailhead.
The final major crossroad will be Freeman and "Dead End" signs will begin to appear. The trailhead is a small parking area with a picnic table and ample signage at the dead end of Speedway.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 129 mi - about 2 hours 17 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 19.4 mi - about 41 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 272 mi - about 4 hours 23 mins
page created by joebartels on Jun 16 2012 12:12 pm