Sweetwater Preserve, Wildflower Ridge + Loop
Details
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead parking lot, 4001 N Tortolita Rd, Tucson, AZ
DATE: Monday, Oct 20, 2025
TIME: 8:00 AM
WHERE: Sweetwater Preserve, 4001 N Tortolita Rd, Tucson, AZ
GPS: 32.2791, -111.0821
MEET: meet in the parking lot by the trailhead at 8am for welcome and greetings
LENGTH: <2 miles (Wildflower Loop with short additions along Saguaro Vista and Roller Coaster Trail.)
ELEVATION GAIN: ~200'
Temps have cooled down so it's time to hit the trails. Let's reconnect after this long, hot summer and enjoy the desert. We might even see some interesting plants or wildlife after these recent rains.
This event is for people who want to get outside and enjoy walking and hiking in the company of others. We're more interested in time well spent than in setting land speed records. We hike as a group, progressing at the speed of the slowest hiker. Average pace is 1.5-2.5 mph - aka 'slow'. No one gets left behind, so PLEASE come prepared! Safety is paramount.
We typically complete this hike in less than two hours with plenty of time for pics, hydrating, doggie potty breaks, and socializing along the way.
- All dogs MUST be leashed or carried. You must be in control of your pup at all times. He/she must be well socialized with people and other dogs.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and the pups, doggie bags, and whatever else you need to be safe and comfortable on the trail.
This is a very popular area for hiking, running, biking, and walking, so we'll likely encounter other people on the trail. Dogs are welcome, but MUST be on a leash - NO exceptions.
Wear walking/hiking shoes for dirt trail, often rocky. Bring 1-2L water, sunscreen, hat, hiking poles or whatever you need to be prepared, safe and comfortable on the trail.
Average pace is 1.5-2.5 mph - aka 'slow'. We walk at the pace of the slowest hiker. There will be stops/pauses for photos, interesting plants, exceptional views and rest/water.
The Sweetwater Preserve is an 880+ acre preserve located in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains of Southern Arizona, west of Tucson. This is definitely one of the gems of Tucson!