Hope Camp Trail

Hope Camp Trail is a 7-mile out-and-back from Loma Alta Trailhead to Saguaro National Park’s boundary, following old ranch roads through Rincon Valley. Allow about four hours for a rolling desert walk with a slight climb near the start and a long return the same way. Go for the early views across the valley and the line-camp remains; if you want a steep, rocky ascent to a summit, this is more of a broad approach road than a mountain climb. The route has patches of mesquite shade, but long stretches are exposed, so bring enough water and time it for cooler hours.

Pass the gate and keep on Hope Camp Trail when Ridge View branches north. An early lookout opens across Tanque Verde Peak, Mica Mountain and Rincon Peak above the saguaro valley. The track then drops toward the Rincon Creek floodplain and Coyote Wash. Expect a broad, rough dirt road rather than a narrow single-track path; horses and bicycles also use it. Stay on the marked Hope Camp route at the Quilter junction, continue past Deer Camp and Hope Camp, and turn around at the signed park boundary. The trail continues beyond it on the Arizona Trail, toward the Mexico border.

Deer Camp and Hope Camp were ranch line camps used during cattle roundups. Windmills, rusted tanks and other equipment are the remnants to look for along the way. The old ranch roads were the working routes through this valley, and the Rocking K and X-9 ranches were among the operations that shaped its ranching history. Hope Camp makes a useful shorter turnaround at about 5.6 miles round trip; the full walk adds roughly half a mile beyond it to reach the boundary.

Saguaro, prickly pear, mesquite and palo verde fill the lower valley, with a crested saguaro beyond Deer Camp and the Santa Rita Mountains appearing to the south near Hope Camp. After good fall or winter rain, Mexican gold poppies may flower here. For a photo, frame the windmill and tanks at Hope Camp with the surrounding desert trees; the early lookout is the place for the three Rincon peaks.

Use Loma Alta Trailhead at the north end of Camino Loma Alta, approached from Old Spanish Trail. The final half-mile is rocky, unpaved and subject to washouts. Passenger cars can continue to the trailhead when the road is passable, but the small parking area often fills on weekends; horse trailers use the lower area beyond the pavement. Follow the Camino Loma Alta approach rather than private roads. Dogs are not allowed on this trail; service animals are exempt from the park’s pet restrictions. If Rincon Creek is flooding the access road, turn around.