Trail Overview

This tight rocky out and back is a great run just outside the border of the Kofa Wilderness. It twists its way around cacti, creosote, and boulders as it transitions in and out of the washes. Some parts are very narrow, with steep off-camber transitions and boulder gardens. Some sections are even more of a sandy wash than an actual trail. The views, however, are fantastic as the deeper into the canyon you get, the more dense and superb the saguaros become. There are all kinds of lava rock and plenty of rock hounding to be done. One bar of LTE Verizon service fades to none in the canyon. There are some decent dispersed camping spots along the way with rock fire rings.

Photos of Secret Saguaro Forest

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Difficulty

Large sharp rocks, steep wash entrances, and exits. Paint damage is unavoidable with all the narrow sections of creosote and mesquite. Sidewall damage is very possible.

Technical Rating

Lyle Swartz

Dec 07, 2025

Open

We followed the "map" and there was nothing remarkable about the flora or fauna. We know the trail map is incorrect because local people told us it is one or two valleys over. Don't waste your time going to this dead end.

Charles Kirkland

Feb 25, 2024

Open

some of the trail has a bit of wash out but nothing major. only had to use 4 wheel drive once coming out of a wash. there is an old mining camp at the end. hike to the top of the hill for some great views.