Water: Do not assume you will find water anywhere on the trail. Check with the park rangers or call 520 733 5153 before starting as water sources at some of the campgrounds aren’t always running. The only nearly all-year water source is at Manning Camp. Grass Shack has a creek flowing next to it but could be dry depending on the season. Filter or treat all water. 

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Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Camp at designated campgrounds. Use pit toilets when at campgrounds. Do not throw trash in the pit toilets.  Outside of the campgrounds, all human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 150 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soup in water (even biodegradable and natural soup pollutes). Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash. 

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Flora Considerations: The brush and cacti are merciless.

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Fauna Considerations: Use the bear boxes provided at designated campgrounds for all food and scented items. Know what to do if you encounter Africanized bees, black bears and mountain lions. Keep an eye out for snakes and Gila monsters.

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Trail Specific Considerations: Information on Saguaro wilderness regulations and trails can be found here. This trail crosses through a variety of ecosystems and elevations with Manning Camp sitting at around 8,000ft. Temperatures can vary drastically. This trail has almost constant exposure to the sun. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.