Overview: Converse Trail is a hiker only path that connects Douglas Spring Trail with Garwood Trail. It provides a convenient turn around point for anyone hiking the Douglas Spring Trail that is looking to do a short hike, or avoid any major elevation gain. Along the way you will have decent views to the west and northwest of Tucson & Mt Lemmon.
Hike: From Douglas Spring Trail, Converse Trail will head south for a short ways and then head directly west as it parallels the Douglas Spring Trail. The trail will contour along the base of Tanque Verde Ridge, and at 0.2 miles it crosses a usually dry drainage. Here there is a small depression on the right side of the trail that forms a shallow pool during monsoon season. Although I have never hiked through this area at night, I would assume the Colorado River Toads take full advantage of it during mating season.
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Continuing past the drainage, the trail will begin to head west away from the foothills as it begins its gradual decent towards Garwood Trail. The closer you get to Garwood Trail, the more the views to the south open up and Tanque Verde Ridge slowly comes into view. By the time you reach the signed junction with Garwood Trail, almost all of Tanque Verde Ridge should be visible.
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
Connector trail - Not Applicable
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