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Sky Islands Backcountry Discovery Trail

Writer's picture: OTG CrewOTG Crew

The iconic Saguaro cacti of the American southwest, reaching heights in excess of 70 feet and living for over 200 years, stand sentinel around Tucson. This majestic backdrop sets the stage for the Saguaro Traverse, a 293-mile journey through some of the Sonoran Desert's most captivating landscapes. You'll be amazed at the stark contrast between the urban bustle of Tucson and the serene beauty that awaits just beyond its borders.


Route Overview


Trip Length & Season

Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 964 miles,

Digital Maps & GPX Files

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Discovery Points

Permits & Papers

Land Managers & Other Resources

 

Route Details


Segment 1: Green Valley to Bisbee

Trip Length & Season

Trip Length:  323 miles, 4-7 days

Season: October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.

Technical Rating & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear

Camping Recommendations

Alternative Routes


Segment 1 route guide coming soon!


 

Segment 2: Bisbee to Bowie

Trip Length & Season

Trip Length:  331 miles, 4-7 days

Season:   October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.

Technical Rating & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear

Camping Recommendations

Alternative Routes


Segment 2 route guide coming soon!


 

Segment 3: Bowie to Oracle

Trip Length & Season

Trip Length:  309 miles, 4-7 days

Season: October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.

Technical Rating & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear

Camping Recommendations

Alternative Routes


 

Terms of Use: Should you decide to travel a route that is published on Overlandtrailguides.com, you do so at your own risk. Always take the appropriate precautions when planning and traveling, including checking the current local weather, permit requirements, trail/road conditions, and land/road closures. While traveling, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, and carry the appropriate safety, recovery, and navigational equipment. The information found on this site is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by OverlandTrailGuides.com, the route accuracy and current conditions of roads and trails cannot be guaranteed.

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