Trek in Cacti Country

After meeting your guide and the rest of the group we head to the Superstition Mountains for our first hike in Lost Dutchman State Park. These jagged rocky peaks are the supposed location of the lost Dutchman’s gold mine. A legend as wild as the west itself and that keeps a number of adventurous souls coming back every year to find the mine and the German’s gold.

Hike

10 km from the Mexican border, the Organ Pipe cacti hug the flanks of the Ajo mountains. The park protects over 25 different types of cacti and some of the most incredible sights of the Sonora desert. Discover this amazing ecosystem on the scenic drive that takes you along desert marshes and large colonies of organ pipe, saguaro and cholla cacti. Hike to double arch via arch canyon and return to camp for dinner and sunset on the the desert view trail.

Hike

Both our arms and legs will be put to good use as we use the chains and wires of the Hunter trail to make our way to the Picacho Summit. Staring at the mountain from its base it’s hard to imagine that a trail can take you to the top. Starting on the desert floor the trail rapidly climbs to give us a 360 degree view of the many mountains and valleys surrounding the park. We transfer to Tucson to enjoy a relaxing afternoon poolside in our hotel.

Hike

Saguaro National park is divided in two sections: the western part dominated by the Tucson mountains and the eastern part home to the Rincon mountains. This piping hot and arid desert may seem inhospitable to some but a multitude of animals and plants call this place home. On top of the name sake cactus you can see many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, grasses, flowers and trees. We'll enjoy the first half of the day to discover the western part of the park by bus and on foot. In the lower altitudes the park offers dense forest of Saguaro cacti. In the afternoon we’ll head to the eastern part of the park for a 4 day trek through the copper colored mountains that cut against the bright blue skies. We pack our bags to set up camp for the next 3 nights to explore these incredible surroundings.

Hike

Enjoy two full days to explore the wild beauty of the Rincon mountains that culminate at a height of 1920m. The Rincon's is the only important mountain range in Arizona that hasn’t been plowed to make way for new roads which leaves them in a relatively unperturbed state. This sector of the park offers more scenic diversity then the western part of the park. The lower altitudes are typical of the Sonora desert, with dry prairies and plenty of desert plants but as you gain altitude you enter coniferous forests and canyons and rivers. The winter climate is dry and the skies are almost always clear which gives us amazing stargazing opportunities and occasional snow fall.

Hike

After breaking camp we’ll travel back on the Douglas spring trail to return to our vehicle and head towards the Mexican border. Our accommodation for the next two days is sportsman's paradise situated on 590 acres and surrounded by an additional 120,000 acres of Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. The ranch offers the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity in its hospitality, its decor, its gastronomy and its wine selection. It’s no wonder that the ranch has hosted so many celebrities coming to draw inspiration from this magical place. After 4 days of roughing it in the backcountry now is the time to relax by the pool before enjoying a gourmet meal served by our hosts. We end the night with our eyes riveted on the milky way sprawling against the pitch black skies.

Hike

With such an expansive playground at our finger tips we trade horses for e-bikes with fat tires to go further on all types of terrain. This allows us to explore remote corners of this wilderness on bike and on foot. In the afternoon we discover the Arivaca Cienega trail in the Buenos Aires wildlife reserve. A great place to observe birds, butterflies and other colorful avian life. We also hit the Arivaca river trail the perfect place to spot vultures under the Sycamore canopy. Return to the ranch to relax by the pool at the end of the day

Bike and walks

We enjoy a last morning in Sasabe to try our hand at Archery, walk on the same trails as Pancho Villa or add the last few lines to your journal to make sure you’ll keep all of those memories you’ve made. Return to Phoenix in the early afternoon to take your return flight home or pursue your trip on your own.