Turkey Creek Trail #34, AZ

This trail provides an access route into the eastern portion of the Saguaro National Park. It is part of the Arizona Trail, a national scenic trail that spans the entire state from north to south.


The portion of the Turkey Creek Trail in the Coronado National Forest follows a ridge that separates Turkey Creek and Mesquite canyons. Part of this section of the trail is within the boundaries of the Rincon Mountain Wilderness. The landscape through which it passes is similar to that of the Saguaro National Park, dotted with large saguaros and other vegetation characteristics of the Sonoran Desert. Views stretch to Rincon Peak on the south and the Santa Catalinas to the north.

Saguaro National Park restrictions: No hunting, weapons, pets, or bicycles. Camping in designated areas only. Must have a wilderness permit, which is available at the Park Visitor Center.


Nearby History
Spud Rock - Outstanding point of bare rock in plain view from Tucson at the north end of the Rincons, elevation 8,590 feet. About 24 miles east of Tucson. George F. Kitt of Tucson says: "Two Southern Pacific railroad engineers, William H. Barnett and Jim Miller, had a shack here and raised potatoes and cabbage on a little flat close to the rock. They called it Spud Rock for their major crop --spuds. Barnett fell from his horse one day coming down the trail and was killed."

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Note
This is a moderately difficult hike.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

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