Hope Camp Trail to North Hope Trail, Saguaro East - Rincon Mountain District: Camino Loma Alta Trailhead, Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Hope Camp Trail to North Hope Trail - 6.2 miles
Saguaro East - Rincon Mountain District: Camino Loma Alta Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.2 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 3,150' - 3,170' (3,310' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +20' net elevation gain (+500' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Hope Camp Trail to North Hope Trail - 6.2 Miles Round-Trip
The Hope Camp Trail traces a wash that parallels a south-facing slope in the Rincon foothills. It passes through some of the district's tallest saguaros and a rich collection of cacti and brush.
Saguaros flourish at 2,500' - 4,000', and in warm areas that drain water efficiently. Steep, south facing slopes above this trail are ideal saguaro habitat, and you'll see many large specimens with well-developed limbs.
This densely vegetated area is well lit at dawn and dusk, and coupled with light use, is a great choice for wildlife viewing:
The Hope Camp Trail heads east and rolls gently on a wide, gravely 4x4 road. It crosses several washes on the first mile that are generally easy to distinguish. The trail passes old Deer Camp at 1.25 miles, then pitches up to its highest point (1.7 miles : 3,310').
Views are terrific from these high points leading to the old Hope Camp and North Hope Trail junction (2.8 miles : 3,128'). Remains of the camp, which are of subjective interest, are located just off to the right.
The North Hope Trail turns due north for .3 miles to its end at a natural cul de sac (3.1 miles : 3,170').
This final stretch is notably attractive, highlighted by large saguaro and diverse cacti gardens. While tempting to explore further, be mindful of delicate vegetation and land use rules that limit off trail travel.
You can extend your hike along the nearby and compelling Ridgeview Trail.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N32 07.976 W110 41.220 — 0.0 Miles: Camino Loma Alta Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Six species of rattlesnakes inhabit Saguaro National Park: Western Diamondback, Tiger, Northern Black-tailed, Mojave, Sidewinder and Arizona Black.
- The trail's diverse and abundant plant composition yields terrific blooms when conditions are right. Chainfruit Cholla are particularly abundant on the North Hope Trail.
- If there is a drawback to the hike, it would be the constant reminder of recent human activity in the area; unspectacular remnants dot the vicinity.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs are not permitted on hiking and riding trails in Saguaro National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
Camino Loma Alta Trailhead is located at the end of Camino Loma Alta Road, on the southwest boundary of the Rincon Mountain District.
To reach the trailhead from Tucson, take Speedway Blvd (east) to Freeman Road. Turn right (south) on Freeman Road; this will turn into Old Spanish Trail Road just prior to reaching the visitor center.
Continue on Old Spanish Trail Road to Camino Loma Alta Road. Turn left (north) on Camino Alta Road. The final .5 miles is a graded dirt road.
From the parking area, follow the path just beyond the NPS sign to a gate. Unlatch the gate to access the trail. Stock trailers must park in a designated area just before the start of the dirt road.
Contact Information
Saguaro National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520.733.5153
Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520.733.5158
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