Wild Dog Trail, Saguaro West - Tucson Mountain District: Valley View Overlook Trailhead, Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Wild Dog Trail - 1.95 miles
Saguaro West - Tucson Mountain District: Valley View Overlook Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.95 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,675' - 2,514' (2,689' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | -161' net elevation loss (+225' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Wild Dog Trail - 1.95 Miles Round-Trip
The Wild Dog Trail begins at Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. It showcases an exceptional range of biodiversity in a relatively short space.
Visitors will enjoy light crowds and good wildlife viewing opportunities on the Wild Dog Trail:
The hike officially begins on the Valley View Overlook Trail; follow signs past the Bajada Wash Trail to pick up the Wild Dog Trail (all within the first .1 mile).
The Wild Dog Trail bends north and rises gently to a low saddle below Apache Peak (3,076'), the trail's highest point (.4 miles : 2,689'). Note portions of the trail may be concealed by overgrowth up to the saddle.
From here it tilts downhill through a densely vegetated bajada framed by jagged peaks.
Thick plots of saguaro, ocotillo, mesquite, ironwood, palo verde, acacia, creosote and cholla line this variously narrow and rugged path. Look for jackrabbit, quail, roadrunners, deer, coyote and javelina along the way.
The trail crosses a sparingly marked wash at .5 miles: turn left in the wash and make an immediate right out of it. Anticipate similarly vague crossings at .75, .85 and .9 miles.
Travel moderates to the terminus on Golden Gate Road, near the Signal Hill Picnic Area (.96 miles : 2,514'). Enjoy good views of Apache Peak and Wasson Peak from high points on the return.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N32 16.619 W111 11.865 — Valley View Overlook Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Portions of the trail may be concealed by overgrowth, or obscured by heavy runoff. Stay vigilant and remain on designated trails at all times.
- There are approximately 400 different plant species in the Tucson Mountain District, and you'll find many of them right along this trail.
- This is an excellent running trail, though dense vegetation may conceal hazards such as cacti and rattlesnakes.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Backcountry camping is not permitted in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. Backcountry camping is permitted in the Rincon Mountain District (east of Tucson). Reservations and permits and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Directions to Trailhead
The Valley View Overlook Trailhead is located on the Bajada Loop Drive, 3.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.
From Tucson, take Speedway Blvd west (it will become West Gates Pass Road) and continue west to Kinney Road. Turn right onto Kinney Road and follow it past the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Red Hills Visitor Center until it intersects with Hohokam Road. Turn right onto Hohokam Road (also known as the Bajada Loop) and continue to the marked Valley View Overlook Trailhead.
Worth Noting: The Bajada Loop is made up of Golden Gate Road (top half of loop) and Hohokam Road (bottom half of loop).
Contact Information
Saguaro National Park: Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520.733.5158
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