Solo winter backpacking the Douglas Spring and Tanque Verde Peak Loop in Saguaro National Park

[@tracykooken2606]

desert sunsets n rises r often ineffable imho😊 !! very beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@1attempting2bkind52]

Super awesome trip! Love the vegan food. Thanks for taking me along.

[@beeswildlife]

I’m glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@steventerry5307]

Hey- some info on Saguaro Park for ya... I am Preventative Search and Rescue at Saguaro and watched your video to help "see" how Visitors experience the Park. The pools you saw at Douglas Spring CG were actually pretty solid and what was there would likely produce many many Liters of good filtered water (water sources in the Sonoran Desert are not quite as lush as those found in Cali for instance :)... I saw those boxes of water the last time I was at Juniper Basin CG (the actual water source for that CG is below the CG on the drainage you crossed near the sign for the CG, which also does have a pool still) a few weeks ago and do believe they are from the Trails Crew- if you went to the Visitor Center for the info, that is staffed by wonderful volunteers and not always Rangers and everyone relies on Backcountry Water Reports typically submitted by other Volunteers, so yep sometimes they're few and far between and the Visitor Center folks don't typically get info from Trails Crew- as they do they're own thing out there and don't report back all the time. Its also true that we in the Park are not Permitted to give rides (Federal Govt Rules) and the Law Enforcement Rangers have more flexibility, but typically need to be 100% available for emergencies and not shuttles- glad you got a super affordable Uber, good call! Wilderness is just that and the Rincon District of the Park where you were at is some of the best quietude to be found here in Tucson. You picked a great route and I hope you come back to explore more of the Park and I do appreciate you sharing your trip so that others will come checkout a great National Park.

[@beeswildlife]

Thank you for the insider info. Learning more about how the park operates is super helpful.

[@jacksonsundown7545]

steventerry: I appreciate your comments, and I know that you can relate to this situation, which often happens in Saguaro... and that is: Too often people just do not listen. I also spend a lot of time out on the trail, and always avail myself to be helpful. Last April 2024 I was hiking and had stopped at Tina Larga, where there was still a lot of water, and I myself was drinking freely and directly because that water was so clean at that time. Then a couple of hikers came up and stopped there, out of breath. They had come up the Douglas Springs trail and seemed very unprepared.... wrong clothing, no head covering in the hot spring sun, and definitely not enough water. Each one held a bottle, and no visible back-up. They were a little panicked, but I told them that the water I was drinking was good and they should fill up one of their water bottles which was almost empty. But, shockingly enough, they refused to believe me. I even offered to give them my own spare water bottle, still unopened and still cold. They even refused that... and abruptly returned to the trail. So what can you do when people do not listen, and think that they know better? I eventually caught up with them about 30 minutes later. They had completely run out of water, and were going to turn back... but I said little this time, and they went off back down the trail. I think that Saguaro Park does an excellent job, both at the Visitor Center and at the trailhead , to inform the public as to how they should be preparing for their hikes... whether it is a recommendation for water or clothing or vital emergency gear. The sad thing is that there are way too many that simply do not heed sound advice.

[@debbrelph6133]

WOW, great sunset! The hike seems very doable, thanks for the info

[@beeswildlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@WalkthePlanets]

there has been so little water in the last year here. I spent two nights in the rincons in September and skipped the third evening. Hikers coming up that route said that Grass Shack was near dry and we've only had one storm since then. Tucson is amazing, hope you enjoyed.

[@HeyItsTim]

When I have a water situation like that, I use the questionable water for cooking. I filter it and then boil for re hydrating my food saving the clean water for drinking. Ill be out on the AZT this year. Great hike and video. Happy hiking.

[@beeswildlife]

That is a great tip! I will remember that in the future! Good luck and have fun on the AZT!!!

[@tracykooken2606]

ditto on h2o smarts !!!! have fun on AZT Tim !!!!!

[@ZacwithnoK7]

I live out near the area and got some pictures and video of this same sunset a few days back!

[@donaldalexander2869]

Great intro to 2025🎉

[@soulfulsoundsdj6419]

That beer looks good 🍻

[@beeswildlife]

it was! :)

[@soulfulsoundsdj6419]

* nice 😝 🍻

[@desert-walker]

Wow, cool I was up there around four years ago. Great views I always bring my own water. I don’t care how heavy it is. I don’t trust these little areas unless it’s a big running water stream then yes no problem. Anyway, have fun.

[@DamienJemison]

Great adventure. Happy New Year, 🐝

[@beeswildlife]

Happy New Year to you too! Thanks for watching!

[@westpacificmarketanalytics2384]

You have beautiful eyes! Another great video, God bless your journey in 2025 and look forward to following! Caution with mountain lions never RUN put arms in air and act mean. Love G

[@robertscranton8293]

No one is more noble hiker than you.

[@Jasn00sh]

Been waiting for this one!

[@Jasn00sh]

So much knowledge too! I Learn so much about the hobby!

[@beeswildlife]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@mateobeans3787]

Love the video & congrats on the new Subie!

[@beeswildlife]

Thank you!! I'm so stoked for all the adventures I'm gonna have with her!

[@thefew6332]

Have a Safe and Happy New Year you Beautiful Woman.

[@1ouncebird]

Nice hike through some beautiful country. Too bad about your less than stellar water report before starting out. Whether or not to use some of the water in those caches at the campground would be quite a decision when you have no clue why they were left and who for. It's nice that you weren't required to use any of it. Thanks for taking us along on such a lovely trip.

[@beeswildlife]

Yeah, it was a bummer to find the water report wasn't accurate but I'm glad I packed enough. Those caches are still a mystery.

[@jacksonsundown7545]

@@beeswildlife The water info comes directly from feedback from hikers and campers themselves. You yourself could have provided valuable data if you would have only taken the time to report it... instead of just asking for a ride.The Tanque Verde Ridge trail runs through designated Wilderness Areas within the National Park itself. Most of the trail maintenance is done by volunteers, and this area is not easily accessible, especially when ascending up that particular trail. Saguaro Park is very large and for the most part is primitive, and most of us who live in the area do our part to help maintain and preserve the Park. Obviously this was your first time here. Only snowbird seasonal types readily criticize what they know nothing about.

[@csscott9803]

Happy 2025 and thanks for sharing 😊🙏

[@beeswildlife]

Thank you for watching! Happy New Year!

[@TangoIndiaMikeJuliet]

It's been very dry lately. I hope it gets some snow soon to replenish the creeks. I hiked to juniper basin in the spring, and there was some water at the camp. I heard Manning camp has water year round.

[@beeswildlife]

There is a water spigot at Manning, but I believe they turn it off for some time in the winter.

[@TangoIndiaMikeJuliet]

@beeswildlife This spring, I'm planning on doing a traverse from the west side and finishing on the east side. I have to get someone to pick me up, though.

[@jacksonsundown7545]

@@beeswildlife There is always water at Manning... You just have to know where to look.

[@idontakepictures]

Beautiful sunset!

[@Hériiic]

Je découvre votre chaîne KZbin plutôt sympa, toujours très intéressants de découvrir d'autres horizons que mon propre pays . Une bonne continuation dans vos aventures.

[@TheFremenChick]

The last time I asked for the water report at the SNP they told me to check All Trails and Hike Arizona. Ive never seen water caches like that out there. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip 🥾

[@beeswildlife]

That's so disappointing! I've always seen rangers as the most reliable source of info for backcountry trips but this experience makes me rethink that belief. Still had a great time though!

[@skyepilotte11]

Love the color of your Subie...lot safer I think to sleep in your vehicle. Love the desert transition zones. Those Rangers need to find a different occupation...seems like none of them ever ventured into their area of responsibility...sad shit. I agree with one commenter...protection is a must no matter where you hike , camp,vehicle or not...especially being a female. Thx Bee...Happy and Safe New Year.

[@beeswildlife]

Thanks! I love my new car and definitely felt safe this whole trip! My interactions with the rangers were confusing and disappointing but I'm glad I have enough backpacking experience to be prepared.

[@kashifkhawaja3205]

You are a very special very sweet very talented very beautiful God's given gorgeous woman and your all skills and talents are amazing and unique just like you. Your all videos are outstanding. You are one in a million and the best among all the best May God bless you with the best ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@joseadavila7445]

is this the saguaro east or west ? do the picacho peak state park near marana a.z. your not to far from it .

[@bill13900]

Great video, thanks and a beautiful trail. Can I ask what camera you were using to record your hike? Look forward to more videos.

[@beeswildlife]

Thanks! I used a combo of my iphone 11 and the GoPro Hero 13

[@kyleanderson3112]

The Alchemist is great, can I recommend The Prophet by Khalil Gibran🔥🔥🔥

[@beeswildlife]

I loved it! And thanks for the rec!

[@ignoreamos1]

Curious which camera you used- DJI Osmo Pocket 3?

[@beeswildlife]

I used my GoPro Hero 13 and my iPhone 11!

[@ignoreamos1]

@@beeswildlife thanks! its seemed like you had some auto tracking and gimbal action going on..nicely done!

[@beeswildlife]

haha thanks! It's all in the editing!

[@jacksonsundown7545]

The water caches are primarily left for the trail crews... and for emergency use, of course. You are fortunate to take this hike at this time of year because the weather is cooler and benevolent, for the most part. In any kind of heat 2 liters of water would not be enough to go from that campsite all the way down to the Javelina Picnic area. That 7 1/2 miles is not all downhill, but is up-and-down and that trail is rough in places. I did this very same hike myself in April 2024. Solo. Carrying a pack. Camping. But with no tent , sleeping pads, or extraneous gear. Juniper Basin is a beautiful, fantastic place, and if you would have explored a little you would have found water there, even at a super dry time of year. Next time come back without the video equipment, take some more time, and maybe learn something. Just my take here... I really do know the area and live very close to Saguaro Park. Thanks for listening,

[@horaciohernandez598]

As someone who hikes so much, what is your favorite brand of hiking shoes?

[@beeswildlife]

My go-to hiking shoes are definitely the Altra Running Lone Peak trail runners, they are perfect if you have wide feet and like a more barefoot/relaxed feel. But if you want something that is a little more sturdy I like the Merrell Moab’s (the ones I wore in this video)

[@horaciohernandez598]

@ Thank you for replying. I’ll check out the Moab’s. I’ll be doing a lot more hiking and camping this year. Happy trails!

[@toddstearns8437]

That is a LOT of water to pack! Lol

[@beeswildlife]

It was very heavy! haha

[@tincuppassracing]

Nice Video

[@beeswildlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@joeyb6694]

What backpack are you using in this video?

[@beeswildlife]

It's the ULA Circuit! I will be sharing a gear review video about it soon!

[@TheDuke-n7o]

I use a Katadyn hiker pro and the carbon helps eliminate bad taste and i also use a Katadyn uv pen and if I’m not to certain either did the trick i boil the water. Also carrying a gun and bear spray helps you stay safe.

[@beeswildlife]

I usually carry both a Sawyer mini or Katadyn BeFree filter and AquaMira drops just in case, but boiling is always a great option!

[@tbcoachniblick1208]

Hope you don't end up a missing statistic on David Paulides Missing 411 Can Am project.

[@reyleondelaselva1789]

Are you serious? Wow. 🤦

[@andyruhl7739]

Not sure about where you camped, but any time you get off the interstate between Yuma and Casa Grande and you're not around other people or in a town, you want to be armed.

[@rustyshakleford7277]

After they "denied you transportation?" The rangers are not your personal taxi service, lady, geeze😂

[@beeswildlife]

Haha! I know, they are not a taxi service, but I was hoping they would help me out!

[@polaks10acatse]

New here😊

[@beeswildlife]

Welcome!

[@mcpumii_]

I’m … in … wove

[@brwilkinson1977]

For those lucky enough to use the Metric system... 1 milliliter equals 1 gram. 1000 milliliter = 1000 grams or 1 Liter = 1 Kg. 😊🎉

[@beeswildlife]

Thank you for sharing the conversions! How nice that one liter converts perfectly to 1 kg! Which means I was carrying 6kg of water.

[@brwilkinson1977]

@beeswildlife I enjoyed the episode and journey, thank you for sharing ✨ I guess we never figured how to dehydrate water.. That would be so nice, carrying some magic water dust 🪄

[@reyleondelaselva1789]

What a shame with this chapter of the NPS. Misleading water information, and can't give someone a ride? Where are our tax dollars going? To be honest, half the time I walk into a visitor center there is way too many workers just standing around talking and not doing anything! Smh🤦

[@jacksonsundown7545]

Most of the employees at the Saguaro Visitors Center are volunteers... as are most of the trail crews. Any water availability comes from hikers themselves who provide that information as feedback. Saguaro actually operates much better than other parks. Right now is a very super-dry time of year and the last appreciable rain was on 11.5.24 . Oye Rey... no estamos en un selva aqui, como ya sepas.

[@pesto12601]

Hikes 7 miles with 20lbs of junk on her back including a tent, big bag of pretzels and hummous, huge isopro fuel container, massive Jetboil and butternut squash base camp pouch... but doesn't bring along essential #1... water! ... hmmmm..

[@jasongilman7270]

You have to do your own research, especially in Tucson. Nobody will lift a finger to help you. That’s just how it is unfortunately. Lived there for two years, moved and went to Florida much nicer.