A great hike to celebrate dropping temperatures is Black Rock Loop. The trailhead is located at the Sweetwater Preserve which is a 20 mile scenic drive from JTH Tucson. The parking lot starts you off on Saguaro Vista trail (full of dense Saguaros) which then leads to Black Rock Loop (that loop is about 1.6 miles). The full trail is 4.6 miles and took us about 2 hours to hike.
It also seems to be a very popular trail for mountain biking for the bikers out there. We found ourselves moving towards the right of the trail as bikers rode up behind us saying, “on your left.”
Along the way we saw a herd of deer (look closely in the photo above), a tarantula, a snake, and even a javelina on our way out of the parking lot!
Trail Info for Black Rock Loop in Sweetwater Preserve
Length
The route is a 4.6 mile loop with a 272 ft. total elevation gain. The trail is mostly flat with random quick gains in elevation. The desert views will be what takes your breath away. It took us 2 hours to complete the entire loop.
How to Access
Black Rock Loop is located in West Tucson at the Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead. You’ll make your way to the intersection of Silverbell Rd. and W. El Camino Del Cerro where you’ll head West onto W. El Camino Del Cerro. Your next left will be onto N. Tortolita Rd which will take you to the trailhead parking lot.
What to Bring
It’s important to carry enough water for yourself and everyone in your party. Generally, you want 17 oz. of water for every hour you’re on a trail. For this two hour hike, plan on carrying at least ½ a gallon of water per person. You’ll find large ½ gallon green Stanley thermoses in the JTH Tucson pantry. Add some ice and fill them with water before heading out into the desert. We also recommend you lather up in sunscreen and pack your favorite sunhat.
Always remember to leave no trace: take only photographs, leave only footprints, pack out what you pack in, and stay on designated trails to help preserve the fragile ecosystem.
Check out some of our other trail guides for hikes near our Tucson, AZ inn: Hugh Norris Trail, & Valley View Trail.
