Back row: Jason Noffsinger, Gretchen Downey, Michael Hovan, Dave Streicher, Joe Maurizzi, Joyce Maurizzi, Leonore Henninger, Randy Richard; front row: Bernie Nagy, Maureen Spence, Clare Collins, Arlene Gerety, Mary Hlushko, Jan Springer; photo by Elisabeth Wheeler
Elisabeth Wheeler
A premier place to enjoy the beauty of a saguaro forest is Sweetwater Preserve, an 800 acre preserve located in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains. An hour’s drive from SaddleBrooke, the preserve provides about 13 miles of trail, arranged in loops. SaddleBrooke hikers explored over seven miles of trail that featured two crested saguaro, many other cacti, ironwood trees, jojoba bushes, creosote bushes and stunning views of the Tucson Mountains, the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains. Hikers commented that this was an excellent site to bring visitors who wanted to see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Hiking guide was Elisabeth Wheeler.