Sweetwater Preserve

I had always wanted to do a longer perimeter hike of this park. It has 15 miles of trails that meander around this Sonoran desert landscape on the north side of Tucson. I took Zana along.

I planned on starting mid afternoon to finish at dusk. I parked at the Steve Anderson trailhead and proceeded on the Saguaro Vista trail heading north. 

None of the trails are very long. You have to connect to other short trails to make a 4- mile loop. Every trail is well marked and color coded.

I discovered that 3pm is a popular time for cyclists and families. I also noted a lot of dog poop at the start. Zana pooped in the parking lot but I acooped it up and threw it in the trah.

Saguaros dominate the landscape, but as I reached the 1.5 mile mark I noted creosote and teddy bear cholla as well. This part of the park would smell so fragrant after a summer rain.

The Black Rock loop is on the north side of the park but the rock really should be called Butt crack rock.

I continued my hike back on the Saguaro Vista trail to Sunset Cirle loop and then the Homesteader trail. It was 5pm and the sun had set behind the mountain. I was now in the cool shade.

Zana did a great job staying close to me and coming back to me when I had to leash her up as I passed other people. We both kept a good pace and did not stop for water.

There were no clouds in the sky so the sunset was bland. I got to see the Tucson skyline enhanced in purple.

I had energy to do the Eldorado loop but I was running out of daylight. I will do that section next time.

We did 8.1 miles in just under three hours.