My niece is probably going to be working a seasonal NPS job in Saguaro Jan to Apr or May, and I want to visit her and do some backpacking, either in the Park or in adjoining wilderness areas. Anybody have any experience there? I guess I'll visit either March or April, but the mountains appear to be fairly high, 7000-8000', so would snow/cold be a problem? Any trails to recommend?
Thanks!

I usually make 2-4 trips a year in the Rincon Mountains of Saguaro National Park. My preferred time of the year is March through mid-May. Like most of the "Sky Island" ranges of the desert southwest, water is a major issue and early spring is the time of the year when water is most likely available. Autumn, after the summer rains is another good time for a visit.

In spring, snow is not likely to be much of an issue; I have seldom seen significant snow accumulations outside of late December through February and even in this time window 2" - 4" would be the norm but bare ground is more likely. It can get cold in the mountains though. If nighttime temperatures in Tucson are in the high 20's, then it can be as cold as 15 F in the higher elevations.

For weather patterns in the SE Arizona mountains you can check Weather Underground reports for Summerhaven, AZ or Mt. Lemmon, AZ. Both of these stations are about 8000' in the Santa Catalina mountains but are close to the Rincons and have similar weather. You can also call the visitors center for Saguaro National Park East and get a report of water availability (not always super reliable).

I would recommend either the trail to Douglas Springs or the Tanque Verde trail to Juniper Basin as overnighters. For longer trips, both of these trails continue on to Manning Camp and can be made into loop trips. Camping is only in designated sites which can make planning a little tough. A permit is required. You can get backcountry info on line regarding trails and campsites.

Car vandalism is a problem at the Douglas Springs trailhead but you can easily take a cab from Tucson to the trailhead and summon a cab from the trailhead; there is cell phone coverage there.

Feel free to PM me if you would like more specific information.

Thanks Pika. When is the wildflower season? I suppose it varies a lot with the elevation.
Are there any other reasonably nearby areas you would recommend? My niece may want to go backpacking somewhere other than the Park with me on her days off, seeing as how she'll be spending all her working time there.

Hi Pika (or anyone else who replies). Any suggestions on the reliability of backcountry water sources at Douglas Spring Campground and Juniper Campground (and along the trails) April 1-3? I hear it has been a wet year there. I enter at Douglas Spring TH and exit Tanque Verde. Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing a new place!

Usually there is water available at the designated campsites through April. So, there should be water at Douglas Springs and Juniper Basin. Be sure you know where to look for the water. If you plan to go as far as Maning Camp there is almost always water there. But, I recommend that you call Saguaro National Park East and ask about water at the campsites; they keep,a record of hiker water reports. There is no water between the trailhead and Douglas Springs unless it has rained recently. The same between Douglas Springs amd Cow head Saddle and along the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail except at Juniper Basin. There are a few intermittent streams as one approaches Manning Camp if you are going that way. I generally carry a spare liter when I hike in the Rincons.

Thanks Pika. Looking forward to seeing the area!
By the way, I tried to PM you about this but got a message that your box wasn't accepting more messages.