Near Shantz Trail
Flowering Saguaro along the Shantz trail.
Near Shantz Trail
Mica View Trail got a makeover :) Hard pack trail without toe snubbers!
Near Shantz Trail
Broadway Trailhead.
Near Shantz Trail
Start of the Wildhorse Trail just past the stock-by-pass. Creosotes and Saguaro are in bloom as well as the Cholla and Prickly Pear. At this point you can see the trail is definitely shared with horses. Tanque Verde Ridge and Tanque Verde Peak are in the distance.
Near Shantz Trail
Morning clouds over Mica Mountain (on the left) and Tanque Verde Ridge (center).

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Hike Trail

Shantz Trail

3.0 (1 Rating)
A long trail along the northwest boundary of Saguaro NP offering access to many connecting trails.
4.7
mi
Distance
196
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.71mi
Distance
196ft
Elevation Gain
47ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
2,888ft
High Point
2,686ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Shantz Trail is a lengthy stretch of trail that defines the northwestern boundary of Saguaro NP. One can access the Shantz Trail from the Speedway trailhead (Wildhorse trailhead), Broadway trailhead, along !Cactus Forest Loop Drive, or by the numerous connecting trails in the area. Access from !Cactus Forest Loop Drive is limited because parking looks more like a pullout. Please consider checking with a ranger for parking if accessing the Shantz Trail from !Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Views along the trail include Saguaro cacti and a variety of other cacti. Broader views include the !Tanque Verde Peak to the east and the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north. The Shantz Trail also works well for creating your own loop depending on whether you want a short or long journey in the area. The trail features a mostly gentle climb if taken from north to southwest, but the heat and sun can make this trail more strenuous than it seems. Come prepared with water and sun protection if you plan to be out on this trail all day.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Chris McD