Highlight • Rest Area
Juniper Basin Campground
Hiking
5.0
(4)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Saguaro Wilderness
Tips
April 13, 2021
Hiking
There are 3 sites with a maximum number of 6 persons per site. You get here by hiking up the Tanque Verde Ridge over roughly 7 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Water at camp is very seasonal, so be prepared. Fires are allowed from dead and downed wood.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Juniper Basin Campground
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
21.2km
06:50
950m
950m
If you're seeking a truly immersive desert-to-mountain experience, the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail delivers a unique journey through five distinct life zones. Starting amidst saguaro and cholla, the path steadily climbs through rocky terrain, offering continuous long-distance panoramas of the Tucson Basin and distant ranges. You'll pass through open grasslands before reaching pinyon-juniper trees near Juniper Basin, making for a diverse and visually rewarding hike.
This difficult 13.2-mile (21.2 km) route involves a substantial 3117 feet (950 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 50 minutes to complete. It's largely exposed, so bring ample water and plan your visit for the cooler months between fall and spring to avoid the summer heat. Parking is available at the Saguaro National Park East trailhead, but arrive early during peak times.
What makes this trail stand out is its role as the primary gateway to the high-elevation backcountry of the Rincon Mountains, offering access to remote areas and primitive campsites. Keep an eye out for a rare crested saguaro around the 2.5-mile mark, and consider a shorter evening hike for spectacular sunset views from the lower ridge.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,830 m
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