Route Editor
Route Scout
Do'h...it's the Cam-Boh by fricknaley  Background There is nothing particularly memorable about the Cam-Boh trail. It's just a level ramble through the desert to a picnic area. It connects the eastern and western ends of the northern foothills and desert area of Saguaro West national park. It parallels the road to some degree. It also offers excellent desert views and vegetation and is very close and easy to get to. For these reasons, it has it's merits. Hike From the ubiquitous Ringtail Trailhead off Picture Rocks road, cross the street and take off on the wide sandy beginning of the Ringtail trail. Within 0.1 miles you come to a signed intersection for the Cam-Boh trail to your right. Take this and head west. The trail actually parallels the Picture Rocks road for the majority of the trip, which is takes a couple of cool points off...but hey you know that going in. The beginning of Cam-Boh follows the path of a relatively narrow sandy wash. Within 0.4 miles you come to the first intersection of this trail, the Ironwood Forest trail heads left. Stay straight on your way. Soon thereafter, the trail breaks out of the wash and just rambles rather flatly through the desert. There are all manner of nice cacti around. Looking north you start to have nice views of Sombrero Peak and the flat Peak 3263 ridgeline. Looking back east Picture Rocks and Contzen Pass look sweet and you actually have really great views of Mt. Lemmon through the pass (you'll see it the whole way back...one of the hightlights of the hike). Looking south you can see Wasson Peak looking over the foothills. A mile from the Ironwood Forest will bring you to the intersection for the Panther Peak Wash trail, which breaks off to your right. Again stay straight. You can now see Panther Peak to the north and the Sombrero Peak ridgeline running west. In a total of 0.6 miles from Panther Peak Wash you will come to the gravel Golden Gate Road which cuts into the heart of the park and leads to the Esperanza trailhead among others. Cross over the road and pick up the Cam-Boh trail again, which keeps on running diligently to the west. In a quick 0.3 miles the signed, wide and sandy Prophecy Wash trail breaks off to the left and runs south towards Wasson Peak. From here you cross a couple smaller washes before dead-ending at the Cam-Boh picnic area, built by the CCC in the 30's. It's a nice little picnic spot out in the desert. Head back the way you came for a quick and easy 5+ mile walk.
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.
