Pack Rat Loop, AZ

A collection of small trails at the northern end of Saguaro West waits for those who want a short afternoon stroll. What I am calling the Pack Rat Loop is a collection of 3 short trails; Scenic Trail, Passey Loop Trail, and the Pack Rat Trail, which have access points on the east side of the park boundary but are probably mostly accessed from near the Sanctuary Cove due to the others being in or near neighborhoods.


Starting from the trailhead, go south towards the low hill in front of you and take a right at the first junction. This first section is the Scenic Trail, which continues for just over 1/2 a mile. After crossing the wash, you'll encounter the social trail to the summit of Sombrero Peak. Stay on the main path here and bear left, per the metal NPS sign. In a short distance, you come to another junction.This next junction is a small piece of trail that can be used to make a much shorter loop, but it is also the Passey Loop, which is the east half of this description's hike. Take a right here and continue for the full loop and follow it as it curves in a counter-clockwise path in the desert. You'll encounter some large houses at the NE edge just before you meet another trail junction. Take a left at this junction and proceed to the Pack Rat trail proper, which is signed. Head up and to the right on the Pack Rat Trail and follow this over the ridge and back to the first junction where you meet the Scenic Trail. Repeat, or take a right and descend to the trailhead.

2021-01-29 Jim