Trail Description

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Whether done as a long day hike or overnight trip, reaching Tanque Verde Peak should be on every backcountry visitor's list.

This beautiful and challenging trail rides the Tanque Verde Ridge deep into the Rincon Mountains, passing through 6 biotic communities and rugged, varied terrain en route to the ridge's highest point. Hikers will enjoy a dynamic landscape, terrific views and good wildlife viewing opportunities throughout.

From the trailhead, the trail moves easily for .1 miles through healthy gardens of saguaro, barrel cactus, prickly pear, ocotillo and multiple varieties of cholla. After passing the official trail registry, you'll begin a fairly steady climb for the next 1.25 miles. The trail levels off for a moment after 1.4 miles and gaining nearly 700 feet, but quickly resumes an aggressive grade up the steep foothills.

While the climb can be physically challenging, be sure to take in the amazing variety, abundance and complexity of plant life blanketing the hillsides. Westerly views of the Rincon District's Cactus Forest and Tucson Valley are also quite good as you move along.

Beyond 2 miles and passing through 4,000', you'll begin to see changes in the landscape and vegetation. Dense saguaro stands of the trail's lower elevations are gradually replaced with grasses, sotol, creosote, hedgehog cactus, agave, mesquite, shrub live oak, cottonwoods and juniper trees.

The ridge line drops and rises - steeply at times - over a series of saddles beginning around the 2.5 mile mark. There are good north-south views along these stretches. The Santa Catalina Mountains loom prominently to the north, while the Santa Rita Mountains shape the southern horizon.

Nearing 3 miles and passing through 5,000', trees are notably more varied and abundant, with the omnipresent prickly pear, manzanita and various brush species dominating the trailside.

The trail rides another steep saddle around 4 miles, after which it eases out with some consistency, rolling mildly for lengthier periods through what is now the Pine-Oak Woodland biotic zone (5,500'+).

From here, high atop the Tanque Verde Ridge, you'll truly feel immersed in the mountains while enjoying sweeping views at every turn. Changes in elevation bring with them changes in wildlife: begin looking for signs of deer, bear and mountain lion.

The trail runs over occasional rock slabs during the last 1.5 miles; cairns are in place for guidance. The trail can be a bit indistinguishable at times as it nears the campsite, but is generally easy to follow. The approach to the campsite is quite enjoyable, rolling easily by increasingly large and numerous juniper, pine and oak trees.

The Juniper Basin Campground is situated among the trails tallest, densest tree stands. Seasonal springs highlight the campsite vicinity, and account for the unusual size and variety of local flora.

The trail continues easily under a thick canopy of trees for about .5 miles beyond the campsite. This is a particularly good stretch in which to look for signs of wildlife. The trail soon re-enters open ridge space to begin another gradual ascent.

Nearing 8 miles, the trail passes over more rock slabs that are marked by cairns. For the remainder of the hike, be on the lookout for such markings.

The final mile is quite steep, climbing relentlessly at times without the help of switchbacks. Despite the challenge, you'll enjoy terrific views to the southeast while passing through the heart of the Pine-Oak Woodland and Pine Forest life zones.

After 8.5 miles, the trail winds through an interesting landscape marked by varied vegetation, large boulders and rock formations. Nearing 9 miles, the trail levels out on the tree-lined ridge top until reaching the short spur trail that leads to Tanque Verde Peak (7,049').

The easy, 100 yard long spur trail ends at the peak's registry, at which point a brief scramble up a large boulder is required to reach the true summit.

The 360- degree views are simply spectacular, and provide an excellent opportunity to reflect upon the significant effort and elevation change experienced in reaching this point. On the return, take note of the changing composition and size of trees, plants, bushes and grasses lining the trail.

Worth Noting

• While ideally reached with an overnight stay at Juniper Basin Campground, strong and prepared hikers can complete the hike in one day.


• The trail passes through 6 biotic communities: Desert Scrub, Desert Grassland, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Pine-Oak Woodland and Pine Forest.


• Passage through these various communities make for ideal wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for jackrabbit, coyote, Gambel's quail and javelina in the lower elevations. Look for signs of deer, bear, bobcat and mountain lions in the higher elevations.


• The trail has many steep segments and can be quite rugged at times. Sturdy, reliable footwear is a must.
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• Sunglasses, broad-rim hats, suntan lotion and layers of proper clothing (regardless of time of year) are essential. The sun is extremely intense all year round, and quick changes in elevation often require various types of clothing.


• Stay on the trail! While it's tempting to veer off for ideal rest spots and photographic locales, the Park's vegetation is extremely fragile, especially during drier periods. Cacti, snakes and scorpions also make off-trail travel an inadvisable activity. Rattlesnakes are found throughout the Park, at all elevations.


• There is a privy at the Juniper Basin Campground.

Directions to Trailhead

From the Park Headquarters and Visitor Center on Old Spanish Road, simply bear right on Cactus Forest Drive and follow it to the Tanque Verde Ridge Trailhead.

Contact Information

Saguaro National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520-733-5153

Saguaro National Park Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520-733-5158