Driving approx. 21 miles to trailhead; approximately 3/4 hour one way. Hiking up to 7 miles; about 6 hours; well-established but rocky Park Service trails. At 2.8 miles Bridal Wreath Falls will be our first destination, which entails an elevation gain of approx. 1,100 feet from the Douglas Springs trailhead. Hiking distances: Trailhead to Bridal Wreath Falls round trip 5.6 miles. Trailhead to Bridal Wreath Falls returning to Trailhead via Three Tanks and Wildhorse Trails 6.9 miles.
At the hotel restaurant, the hot buffet will include eggs, breakfast meats and potatoes, toast, a variety of pastries, cereals, and fruit, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
We’ll begin by loading our vehicles and transferring to Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District, which contains some of the most outstanding Saguaro cactus specimens in the southwest. We will begin our hike at the Douglas Springs Trailhead. As we hike, we’ll link together a combination of national park trails (Douglas Springs, Three Tanks, and Wildhorse) and cover a variety of terrain including out-wash plains, foothills and desert dry washes. In addition to brief trail side natural history and geology talks given by our Group Leader, we will identify many desert plants encountered and relate Sonoran Desert themes to the group. Our destination for the morning will be Bridal Wreath Falls. Water that flows over the falls is an intermittent and seasonal affair dependent on rainfall or snow melt from the higher elevations. The setting of the Falls is pleasant all year round with an abundance of bird life and stone terraces surrounded by towering Saguaro Cactus mixed with higher desert vegetation.
Lunch will be planned at Bridal Wreath Fall (weather permitting). We'll enjoy a sack lunch containing a sandwich, fruit, chips, and cookie.
After lunch we continue our hike. For those that choose, we will offer a shorter mileage return back to the Douglas Springs Trailhead with a group leader by hiking the same route that the group hiked in on. Total hike mileage for the day with this option is 5.6 miles For those that may be looking for more hiking distance and physical output we will also offer a longer arcing route (linking the Three Tanks Trail and Wildhorse trail) back to the Douglas Spring Trailhead. Total mileage for the day with this option is 6.9 miles After completing our hike in the late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
At a local Mexican restaurant, we’ll choose from a wide variety of plated entrees on a select menu. Chips and salsa, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are included; other beverages available for purchase.
After dinner, our Group Leader will discuss tomorrow's activities and timing before returning to the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.