Arizona Hiking Tucson & Sonoran Desert - Lodge Based

Our trip begins today in the Phoenix area. After a brief orientation we load into our private van and set out for Sabino Canyon and our first hike to Seven Falls. Taking a tram to the Bear Canyon trailhead, we ascend a series of switchbacks and make several small creek crossings en route to the seven-tiered waterfall that provides our first glimpse of the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The skyline above the falls is punctuated by jagged cliffs and ridgelines making this spot a photographic favorite. After returning to the trailhead, we hop back in our vehicle and transfer to Tucson where we enjoy our first dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Lunch and dinner included.

Transfer time: 3 hours; Hiking: 5 miles with 900' elevation gain/loss

After breakfast, we head to Saguaro National Park to see one of the most iconic symbols of the American Southwest up close. Found in only a small portion of the U.S., the giant saguaro cactus is well-represented across the park's 91,000 acres. Our hike's hilltop summit offers great views of the park's famous bajadas (lower mountain slopes where cactus grows more densely). Next up is the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, recognized throughout the world as a model for innovative presentation and interpretation of native plants and animals. We take time to explore the museum and have lunch before traveling to the historic town of Ajo. Our home for the next two nights will be the lovely Sonoran Desert Inn, a beautifully restored school. The Sonoran Desert Inn is a refreshing alternative to conventional hotels and can be a cultural highlight of our experience. At dinner this evening, we’re joined by a member of the nearby Tohono O’odham tribe who shares her insights on the culture and history of the town and her people. All meals included.

Transfer time: 3.5 hours; Hiking: 3-4 miles with 150’ elevation gain/loss

We drive south towards the Mexican border for our morning hike in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. While the incredible namesake columnar cactus may be the main attraction, the soaring cliffs and expansive views into Mexico add to the allure of this protected wilderness. In addition, the vast 330,000-acre monument is home to an extraordinary collection of regional flora and fauna. Our hike leads us up dirt trails to a dramatic viewpoint that offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding desert and mountains. After lunch in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, we drive north towards Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. This afternoon, we connect with a local ranger on top of Childs Mountain, 1,500 feet above the desert floor with views stretching over 100 miles. Our time on Childs Mountain is a great opportunity to reflect on our time together and learn about the unique Sonoran Pronghorn that calls this area home. All meals included.

Transfer time: 2 hours; Hiking: 3.5 miles with 1,100’ of elevation gain/loss

We start our day with a nourishing breakfast, energizing us for the adventures ahead. With hearts full of anticipation, we journey southward, delving deeper into the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Today's trail is a portal to the past, leading us to the remnants of a silver mine that whispers tales of the 1880s, an era when miners sought fortune under the desert sky. This historic site ceases operation in 1976 when Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument became a wilderness area. With our curiosity sated and spirits high we meander back to the charming enclave of Ajo. Here, amidst the vibrancy of local murals that paint a colorful tapestry of culture and history on the town's walls, we'll savor a leisurely lunch. We bid farewell to Ajo and set our sights northward. The journey back is a time for reflection as we carry with us the memories of a day well-spent. Breakfast and lunch included.

Transfer time: 3 hours; Hiking: 4.3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 369'