Near Wildhorse Trail
Intersection of Wildhorse, Garwood, Bajada Vista Trails. Trails are really well signed, just follow the arrows. A lot of life in the desert with the Prickly Pear, Cholla, Brittle Brush, Creosote, Palo Verde and Mesquite Trees all blossoming. The western end of the Catalina Mountains in the distance.
Near Wildhorse Trail
In certain places, the trail follows a seasonal drainage.
Near Wildhorse Trail
Dry drainage along Wildhorse trail, but that could change with a quick thunderstorm.
Near Wildhorse Trail
Heading down, even though I'm going up still, to the Carillio junction then about another .3 miles to the Trails end. You can see as you begin climbing the vegetation starts to change a bit. Still Saguaros but starting to thin out. More Brittle Brush, Ocotillo, Teddy Bear Cholla and grasses.
Near Wildhorse Trail
Looking out over the Tanque Verde Valley. The Catalina Mountains and Mt Lemmon in the distance. Brittle Brush, The Yellow flowers of the Prickly Pear, Ocotillo, Saguaros and Mesquite tress are definitely plentiful in the Sonoran Desert.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Wildhorse Trail

3.0 (3 Ratings)
A pleasant trail through Saguaro National Park to a seasonal waterfall area.
2.1
mi
Distance
463
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.1mi
Distance
463ft
Elevation Gain
21ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
3,190ft
High Point
2,735ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Wildhorse Trailhead is located about 400 yds from the end of Speedway Blvd. Generally, there are horse trailers there or horses and riders from Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. This is a shared trail for a good portion, and horses always have the right-of-way. Typically, visitors use this as an out-and-Back, but it can be connected to other trails to make it a point-to-point ending at another trailhead. The trail signage is well placed and clear to follow the entire distance. There are a few washes you'll have to navigate, so be smart and aware of water or the possibility of lots of water depending on the time of year. If you're lucky enough to be on the trail in the spring you'll be rewarded with an amazing palette of colors. After you come to an intersection of 5 trails follow the signage southeast to stay on the Wildhorse Trail. You'll begin to gain elevation and a series of switchbacks that are steady but easy to negotiate. Take your time to stop and take in the views as the Park presents itself to you. The views of the Catalina Mountains and the Tucson valley are definitely Kodak moments. Soon you'll come to the Three Tanks Trail sign where you'll stay right. You'll lose the elevation you gained earlier on but then gain some of it back again. Continue following the trail another .4 miles to the last of the signs. This is the intersection of the Carrillo Trail and where horse and rider are not permitted to continue on the Wildhorse trail. You'll continue on about 0.3 miles to the end of the trail after a few switchbacks and rocky terrain. You'll come upon some smooth faced rock and depending on time of year, and your willingness to get your feet wet, a waterfall at the end of the trail.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Mike Barcom