February 11 - 13, 2011

Douglas Springs Campground is only a few miles from Tucson, but seems a world away once you're out there. Please join me for an easy two-night backpack in Tucson's backyard.

The Plan

We'll head out to the campsite early on the afternoon of Friday, February 12th. There will be plenty of time to get there, so we needn't rush. We'll spend that night in camp, keeping our ears open to listen for the mountain lions that live in the area.

On Saturday, we'll have breakfast then leave our camp and head up to Tanque Verde Peak. That's a ten-mile round-trip hike up through Cowhead Saddle to the peak and back to camp. Lunch will be on the peak.

The Cowhead seen from the trail After spending one more night in camp on Saturday, we'll have a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast then pack up and head back to Tucson.

This trip is planned for up to eight people, and I have reserved two of the three available campsites. The National Park Service charges $6.00 per night per campsite, so the total charges are $24.00 for the group.

You'll need food for two dinners, two breakfasts, and one lunch.

 

Water and Weather

There may be water at Douglas Springs. There may not be. If not, we'll have to go out the weekend before and stash water in the bear boxes. We'll figure that out closer to the date of the trip.

The weather at Douglas Springs in mid-February can be very nice. Daytime highs in the 60s with lows in the upper 30s. Remember that the campground is at 4,800 feet, so it's a bit cooler than Tucson. Perhaps by as much as 5 degrees or more. You will need a colder weather sleeping bag. We are not allowed to have a fire at Douglas Springs.

 

The Hike

day miles elev gain destination
Friday 0.0 / 0.0 0 ft / 0 ft Douglas Springs Trailhead
Friday 2.7 / 2.7 900 ft / 900 ft Cut-off to Bridal Wreath Falls
Friday 1.8 / 4.5 700 ft / 1600 ft Lookout Rock
Friday 2.3 / 6.8 300 ft / 1900 ft Douglas Springs Campground
Saturday 2.4 / 9.2 1300 ft / 3200 ft Cowhead Saddle
Saturday 2.5 / 11.6 1000 ft / 4200 ft Tanque Verde Peak
Saturday 2.5 / 14.1 200 ft / 4400 ft Cowhead Saddle
Saturday 2.4 / 16.5 200 ft / 4600 ft Douglas Springs Campground
Sunday 2.3 / 18.8 200 ft / 4800 ft Lookout Rock
Sunday 1.8 / 20.6 400 ft / 5200 ft Cut-off to Bridal Wreath Falls
Sunday 2.7 / 23.3 400 ft / 5600 ft Douglas Springs Trailhead