Garwood Loop

Take the Douglas Spring Trail to the Garwood Trail and turn right.  Watch for saguaros with holes and the birds than make them: Gila woodpeckers and gilded flickers.  Stay on the Garwood Trail all the way south to the Carrillo Trail, taking care at the junctions with Bajada Vista and Wildhorse Trails as it can be confusing for those new to the trail system.

At the intersection with the Carrillo Trail, turn left and head toward the location of the old Garwood Ranch.  On the slope below the trail, Nelson Garwood built a home in the late 1950's.  Be sure to visit the nearby dam which provided a reliable water supply throughout the year.

From the Garwood dam, the path bears left and goes into the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.  Although this area has a long history of cattle grazing, and many trail and place names reflect this history, the last grazing lease in the park expired in 1979.

Remain on the Carrillo Trail to the steel tank at Rock Spring.  The goldfish were stocked by cowboys to discourage algae growth in the tank.  Find the trail sign in the wash below and follow the Carrillo Trail north toward the Douglas Spring Trail.

To complete the loop, turn left on the Douglas Spring Trail and descend 1 mile to the Douglas Spring Trailhead.