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Douglas Spring Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 339 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Douglas Spring Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with desert, cacti, and various hiking trails, some leading to backpacking routes.
What runners say about Douglas Spring Trail
“The ranger at the visitor center was very helpful, and we were looking for a moderate hike with beautiful views.”
I like this, and the Broadway trailhead a lot. Plenty of space and you aren’t forced to go around the loop. The Douglas Spring trailhead has a variety of trails but leans more towards the moderate to difficult vs the Broadway Trails.
Wonderful hiking place! You can go for half a mile or 15. I love that you're immediately in the desert as soon as you leave the parking lot. I proposed to my wife about a mile in 23 years ago!
Decent parking, this trail head leads to a large number of possible trail routes. The trails that this meets up with are beautiful, fun, and varied. As this trailhead meets up with long backpacking routes, it’s possible to do hikes as long or as short as you want (there and back for the longer hikes).
We visited Saguoro NP East a week ago. The ranger at the visitor center was very helpful, and we were looking for a moderate hike with beautiful views. It was located outside of the official entrance to the park. There was parking in the parking lot. There were cars parked outside along the street.
Trail conditions & character
“The ranger at the visitor center was very helpful, and we were looking for a moderate hike with beautiful views.”
“Beginning at the Douglas Spirngs Trailhead, we hiked to Ernie's Falls to Bridal Wreath to Garwood Trail in Saguaro National Park.”
“The trail is not too steep and there are well developed “steps”, but it is a bit narrow and that makes social distancing a slight challenge.”
“Plenty of space and you aren’t forced to go around the loop.”
Plan your run at Douglas Spring Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(520) 733-5153
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Tucson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Broadway Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
Kid-friendly trailhead at the edge of Saguaro National Park featuring scenic desert views.
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Popular, rocky day-hike destination with 11 miles of views & wildlife; some steep climbs required.
Pantano River Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 230 reviews
Relaxed park featuring paved paths for biking and jogging, picnic benches and a playground.
Seven Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 154 reviews
Popular hiking trail leading to a waterfall and pool that's a good option for kids.
Bear Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
Family-friendly trailhead offering various hiking options through scenic terrain.
Pantano Wash Path
4.6 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Smooth, well-paved cycling and walking path along a dry wash with rest areas.