Shantz - Cholla - Squeeze - Wildhorse Loop

I meant to hike this yesterday, but the temps were in the 80s and I hate having to carry so much water for an otherwise easy 11 mile hike, so I waited until today and it still managed 77º because it was slightly overcast. 

This hike was a walk in the park, literally and figuratively: the entirety of the route is in Saguaro National Park. Unfortunately, the Fascists currently destroying the country want to sell our national treasure of a park system to the highest bidder. Fuck them. But I digress once again.

The route is actually composed of seven trails: Shantz, Cholla, Cactus Forest, Carillo, Three Tank, and Wild horse.  Only about 900 feet of gain, mostly in one spot about 6 miles in, but the trails were well maintained and easy on the feet. The first three miles were sand, not my favorite trail surface, but I was still able to maintain a decent pace. This is a horsey trail as well as a hiker/biker trail. Saw a few other hikers doing short in-and-outs, and two groups of folks on horses. Also some kids working on trail building, no doubt ruing their decision to major in Forestry.

Could have actually used more water because of the heat. But managed to stay upright, one of my main goals these days.

AllTrails sent me this notice today, reminding me of my

ill-fated hike a year ago. Thanks, AllTrails.

Sandy start to the hike.

So many flowers because of the spring-like weather.

The Rincons in the distance. I have hiked that entire ridge in the past.

The Garwood Dam.

One of the tanks on Three Tanks Trail.

The last mile -and-a-half was also sand, kind of like the inside of my mouth at that point.