When summer casts its warm glow over the Sonoran Desert, Tucson beckons with a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. From the iconic saguaro cacti of Saguaro National Park to the vibrant cultural scene and culinary delights, the Old Pueblo offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and human creativity that shines brightly […]
Field Guide: Picture Rocks Wash Loop Trail (Tucson)
Picture Rocks Wash Loop Trail is a lovely trail located in Saguaro National Park West, about a 10 minute drive from JTH Tucson. This area is experiencing a beautiful poppy bloom this year, and Picture Rocks Wash Loop is a great spot to enjoy springtime wildflowers. Also located along the trail are petroglyphs, the namesake […]
Field Guide: Hidden Valley Trail (Joshua Tree)
Hidden Valley Trail is a loop trail located in Joshua Tree National Park. This easy, mile-long trail is popular for a reason, as it offers up beautiful views of Joshua Tree’s otherworldly rock formations. For guests who are new to visiting Joshua Tree, Hidden Valley Trail is a great introduction to the unique and iconic […]
Field Guide: Cottonwood Springs Trail (Joshua Tree)
Cottonwood Springs Trail is a beautiful and lesser visited trail that winds through the ecologically diverse confluence of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Joshua Tree National Park. This short trail is a really interesting one that offers a glimpse of many of the unique flora and fauna of the region, including one of the […]
Field Guide: Pioneertown (Joshua Tree)
The high desert region known as Joshua Tree really encompasses three different towns with stretches of the National Park in each: Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and 29 Palms. As a visitor to the area it can be confusing to figure out how to plan your days so you’re not driving back and forth between different […]
Field Guide: Sunset Vista Trail at Picacho Peak (Tucson)
Picacho Peak State Park is a landmark that is sure to catch your eye as you approach JTH Tucson from the East. The peak has a distinct shape that always reminds us of a sombrero. This park is famous for springtime wildflowers, which cover the hillsides in vivid colors after rainy winters. This year’s super […]
Field Guide: Barker Dam Trail (Joshua Tree)
Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a must visit! It’s a fun loop trail that packs a lot of punch. You will see many highlights of the Mojave Desert on this short trail, including Joshua trees, as well as other desert plants such as yucca and cacti, and beautiful monzogranite rock formations. […]
Field Guide: Mount Lemmon (Tucson)
As much as we love the desert, sometimes it’s nice to have a change of scenery. Luckily here in Tucson you don’t have to travel far to experience something completely different. Towering at 9,171 feet above sea level, Mount Lemmon’s change in elevation from the base to the peak is comparable to that between Mexico […]
Field Guide: Seven Falls Trail
It’s easy to see why Seven Falls trail is one of the most popular trails in Tucson. It has a little bit of everything: beautiful mountains, saguaros, water … and it culminates at a breathtaking waterfall! The trail is located on the east side of Tucson, so about an hour drive from JTH Tucson. It […]
Field Guide: Black Rock Loop
A great hike to celebrate dropping temperatures is Black Rock Loop. The trailhead is located at the Sweetwater Preserve which is a 20 mile scenic drive from JTH Tucson. The parking lot starts you off on Saguaro Vista trail (full of dense Saguaros) which then leads to Black Rock Loop (that loop is about 1.6 […]