Two Great Hikes in AZ

The two planned hikes were Sara’s Crack at Lake Havasu City and Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park near Tucson.

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During the RTR, I spent most of my time at the event, watching some of the presentations and walk among the RV’s, meeting and talking to many interesting people. But about midway, I needed to get out and find a way to empty my toilet and I took the opportunity to resupply and do a great hike.

I ended up driving to Lake Havasu City, where I did some shopping and had a VERY quick look at London Bridge. As soon as I left the city driving south, towards Quartzsite, I found the turn off to the very nice Sara Park. This contains separate areas with a dog park, event grounds and multiple hiking opportunities. I choose Sara’s Crack, which is a 2.5 mile one way hike to the Colorado river and back. You follow the dry, rocky streambed that ends up in a slot canyon. And while most of the hike is an easy stroll down to the river, a few parts in the canyon require some easy rock climbing and that makes it difficult to bring your dog through the canyon. After being faced with a short rope descend, I decide to turn around and hike up a short, but steep hill around the slot canyon and walk somewhat towards the river.

Sara’s Crack Hiking Trail Photo Gallery

To avoid arriving in the dark at the RTR site, I made the decision to get back to the car, before I could do some more exploring of the canyon and a balanced rock at the Colorado river. But I enjoyed the hike so far and will get back to do the full hike, when I finally move into the van and I have less time restraints.

After spending a few more days at the RTR, I left on the last day of the event, to return to my home in Florida. But unlike the four-day trip to the RTR, I now planned to make a few stops along the way and the first would be Saguaro National Park near Tucson.

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There I first went to the beautiful visitor center for some more information about the area. The continued government close-down had also reached this part of the world and locked doors blocked my way. I returned to my original plans and drove to the Signal Hill picnic area, where the short trail (0.25 mile one way) to a viewpoint with some Native American petroglyphs started. I left Joey in the car (it’s winter now and he has water and sufficient air cooling) and headed up the trail. The sight of countless Saguaros is impressive and after passing through a dry streambed the trail goes up gain around and up he hill to a small viewpoint at the top. There I also found numerous large rocks with the Hohokam petroglyphs carved into the rock. While this must be a heavily visited area, the 1000 year old rock art seems to be in a remarkably good condition.

Signal Hill Hiking Trail Photo Gallery

I stayed at the end of the trail for a while, enjoying the view of the desert valley and then returned to my van, to continue my trip back. Next stop would be the San Elizario Mission in El Paso, TX.

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