The Wanderer Field Guide

tucson, az

always searchin’ never sleepin’

our story

“ The Wanderer has become our escape, as it has for many others, set in nature, swept in sand, & rooted in story.”

What was originally our plan to build a personal creative retreat quickly transformed into an entirely new vision to cater to those in search of a slower, more deliberate lifestyle (if only for a few days). After beginning the project, we found that many others were in search of the same solace we were. It took on a life of its own and expanded beyond something intended for just us— it became something for other people, something meant to be shared. An experience. A space to reflect, reset and create. The Wanderer has become our escape, as it has for many others, set in nature, swept in sand, & rooted in story.

stay, elope, shoot

Stay. Elope.

The Wanderer is situated on 38 acres of land with a forest of Saguaro cacti, a canyon pool, hot springs style hot tub, cactus garden, walking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. This is a space to reflect, reset, and create and is available for individual nightly stays as well as full buyouts for friend & family gatherings, retreats, and micro-weddings. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and mountain views and the quiet, desert air, and the starry night skies. Hear the sounds of nature as birds chirp, coyotes howl, and great-horned owls hoot nearby. Here at The Wanderer, we believe that true peace is a connection to nature in an environment where every detail is carefully considered. A stay at The Wanderer means the perfect desert getaway for the wanderers who feel the need to kick off their boots and hang around for a while.

The Wanderer is the perfect spot for an intimate desert wedding with a full buyout of the space or a two-person elopement with the rental of a single room. We believe in creating an authentic wedding experience tailored to your personality, love story, and vision for your wedding day. Weddings and elopements at The Wanderer are dreamy, intimate, and memorable. We would love to host you for your special day!

Shoot.

The Wanderer has everything from a lush desert landscape to a canyon pool, cactus gardens, and southwestern desert decor perfect for a photoshoot backdrop. Please inquire for more information on personal, styled, or brand photoshoots.

our rooms & amenities

Rooms:

• The Wanderer Room - sleeps 2

• The Drifter Suite - sleeps 4

• The Nomad Room - sleeps 2

• The Roadrunner Room - sleeps 2

• The Rambler Room - sleeps 2

• The Roamer Room - sleeps 2

• The Gypsy Suite - sleeps 4

• The Vagabond Room - sleeps 2

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Amenities:

• pool

• grill

• hot tub

• dining patio

• fire pit

• chef’s kitchen

• The Wanderer Room - from $298 • The Drifter Suite - from $424

• The Nomad Room - from $220

• The Roadrunner Room - from $231

• The Rambler Room - from $315

• The Roamer Room - from $220

• The Gypsy Suite - from $377

• The Vagabond Room - from $275

Wanderer

FAQS

The property borders Saguaro National Park West. Many trailheads in the national park are just a few minutes drive from The Wanderer. How close is The Wanderer to Saguaro National Park?

Can you rent the whole property or just individual rooms?

With advanced notice, the property can be booked as a whole. Please inquire for more details.

What are the dining options?

We recommend bringing groceries on-site for your stay. Each room comes equipped with a refrigerator on its own, and some rooms have their own full kitchens. We also have a full chef’s kitchen on site for all guests to use and a charcoal grill on the property to cook outside (please bring charcoal with you if you plan to use it). We’re also happy to recommend local restaurants if you’d rather go out to eat.

Is The Wanderer pet friendly?

As much as we love pets, The Wanderer is not pet friendly in an effort to conserve the quiet experience of a stay here. However, properly documented service animals are welcome.

What is there to do in the area?

We imagine most guests will want to stay on-site at the inn to experience the pool, hot spring, on site-trails, wildlife, cactus garden, rooftop patios, and starry night sky. Though, if you’re up for more adventures, we’d recommend heading to Saguaro National Park, the Desert Museum, and taking a gorgeous drive through Gates Pass on the way to the city of Tucson itself. The city is filled with charming indie shops and amazing food. Venture into Downtown Tucson and enjoy the Tucson Botanical Gardens or visit the animals at the Reid Park Zoo. After exploring, relax and unwind with a glass of wine around our outdoor fire pit.

Tucson, Az

Located in the southeastern region of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, Tucson is known for its Saguaro cacti and is a UNESCO designated city of gastronomy. The food here dates back 4,000 years. Our city’s culinary heritage is a tapestry of Mexican and Native American traditions. With over 1,200 restaurants to choose from in Tucson, our city is a culinary destination.

The city itself is a dark sky city, surrounded by the east and west sides of Saguaro National Park, making both city and nature easily accessible. Upon entering the city of Tucson, you are greeted by creative energy and many independently owned businesses. Some of our favorite places to check out in the city are the Arizona Sonora Desert Musuem, MSA Annex, The Coronet, Tito & Pep, Bata, San Xavier Mission, Penca, Falora, Midtown Mercantile, and the Loft Cinema.

Less than an hour away from The Wanderer is the base of Mount Lemmon (where Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway begins). As much as we love the desert, it’s nice to have a change of scenery sometimes. Driving or biking up Mount Lemmon, you will traverse through six different ecosystems, starting in saguaro dominated desert and ending up in evergreen forests.

Less than two hours away is Tombstone, Arizona, the most authentic western town left in the United States. Known for its Wild West history, Tombstone allows you to step back in time and offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of the town we refer to as the “town too tough to die.”

Tucson Weather Averages

It is sunny in Tucson more than 96% of the time, with 350+ days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the United States.

In Tucson, the summers are steamy and humid, the winters are cool and dry, and it is mostly clear year round. The hot season lasts about four months and the cool season lasts about two months.

Though it gets pretty hot in the summer, it’s a dry heat, allowing you to cool down easily. With rain in the late summer and early winter, the desert here is much greener and different than you might think.

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saguaro national park

Saguaro National Park is an American national park in southeastern Arizona.

The park is uniquely situated around the 500 square miles that make up Tucson, which is located at the heart of the Sonoran desert.

At the park, you can giant saguaros in their native environment, enjoy the wildlife, and experience breathtaking hikes and scenic drives.

The giant saguaro is the nation’s largest cacti and is a universal symbol of the west. These majestic plants are found only in a small portion of the United States and are protected by Saguaro National Park.

gear checklist

1. Navigation map, compass, GPS

2. Sun Protection hat, sunscreen, long sleeves

3. Insulation extra clothing such as a jacket or fleece

4. Illumination headlamp, flashlight

5. First-aid kit bandages, medications, ointments

6. Fire matches, lighter

7. Repair kit and tools multi-tool, whistle, signal mirror

8. Nutrition extra food

9. Hydration extra water

10. Emergency shelter large plastic bag, space blanket

hiking checklist

1. Review park safety guidelines, regulations, fees, and permit information.

2. Take along plenty of water. We recommend a gallon of water per person per six hours of hiking during the sumer season. There is no water available along most trails.

3. Pace yourself, take water breaks often, and drink even if you don’t feel thirsty.

4. Apply sunscreen liberally before your hike and reapply as needed. Dress for the weather—when the sun is blazing; protect skin with lightweight, light-colored clothing including long sleeved shirts and pants. Always wear a wide-brimmed hat and sturdy closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support. Be prepared with raingear.

5. During summer thunderstorms, lightning and flash floods can come suddenly and may post threats. Avoid open and low-lying areas at these times.

6. Pack a park map showing accurate trail information. Avoid getting lost by staying on established trails at all times and stay aware of your location on the map.

7. Leave itinerary with friend or relative. Take a fully charged cell phone with you.

8. Be alert while hiking. Watch for prickly plants especially cholla cactus spines which can easily become embedded into your skin. If you do get pricked, do not grab it. Use two sticks or a multi-tool as a lever to flip it off and away.

9. Be alert for wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and treat them with respect.

10. Pets are not allowed on any trails. They may be walked in the picnic areas and parking lots and on the roadways as long as they remain on a six foot leash and remain on the pavement.

seven falls trail

Trail Length:

The route is 8.2 miles out and back, or 4.6 miles if you take the shuttle to the trail head. Seven Falls Trail is rated Moderate and has a 917 ft. total elevation gain.

Trail Access:

Seven Falls Trail is located in East Tucson at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, it costs a $8 to enter the recreation area (unless you have a yearly pass). If you’d like to take the shuttle to the trail head, we’d recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.

What to Bring:

As with any hike in the park, make sure to bring plenty of water and a sun hat for protection. Once your water is half gone, turn back around (particularly in the summer months). You’ll cross back and forth over water on this hike and at higher water times it can get very slippery, so bring water shoes. If you plan to swim at the base of the falls don’t forget your suit and towel!

It’s easy to see why Seven Falls trail is one of the most popular trails in Tucson. It has a little bit of everything: beautiful mountains, saguaros, water … and it culminates at a breathtaking waterfall! The trail is located on the east side of Tucson, so about an hour drive from The Wanderer. It makes a great day trip with a stop for lunch in the city before returning to the cottage.

Seven Falls Trail is located in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, nestled in the scenic Santa Catalina mountain range. You’ll park at the visitor’s center, and then have the option of either taking a shuttle or walking to the trail head. It’s an 8.2 mile out and back trail, but if you take the shuttle it’ll cut the length to 4.6 miles.

This trail is a lot of fun, as it offers a variety of terrain to keep things interesting. You’ll zig zag back and forth across the stream 7 times, then climb up in elevation before finally coming down to the falls. Once you reach the falls, you can sunbathe and swim in the pools there.

black rock loop

Trail Length:

The route is a 4.6 mile loop with a 272 ft. total elevation gain. The trail is mostly flat with random quick gains in elevation. The desert views will be what takes your breath away. It took us 2 hours to complete the entire loop.

Trail Access:

Black Rock Loop is located in West Tucson at the Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead. You’ll make your way to the intersection of Silverbell Rd. and W. El Camino Del Cerro where you’ll head West onto W. El Camino Del Cerro. Your next left will be onto N. Tortolita Rd which will take you to the trailhead parking lot.

What to Bring:

It’s important to carry enough water for yourself and everyone in your party. Generally, you want 17 oz. of water for every hour you’re on a trail. For this two hour hike, plan on carrying at least ½ a gallon of water per person. Add some ice and fill them with water before heading out into the desert. We also recommend you lather up in sunscreen and pack your favorite sunhat.

A great hike to celebrate dropping temperatures is Black Rock Loop. The trailhead is located at the Sweetwater Preserve which is a 20 mile scenic drive from The Wanderer. The parking lot starts you off on Saguaro Vista trail (full of dense Saguaros) which then leads to Black Rock Loop (that loop is about 1.6 miles). The full trail is 4.6 miles and took us about 2 hours to hike.

It also seems to be a very popular trail for mountain biking for the bikers out there. We found ourselves moving towards the right of the trail as bikers rode up behind us saying, “on your left.”

Along the way we saw a herd of deer, a tarantula, a snake, and even a javelina on our way out of the parking lot!

Hugh norris trail

Trail Length:

Hugh Norris trail is 9.8 miles out and back, but can be shortened to whatever length you prefer. After the first mile or so of incline, the hike tames a bit and turns to switchbacks for the next several miles. The trail eventually connects with Sendero Esperanza and can also be continued on to Wasson Peak (the highest point in the Tucson mountain range).

Trail Access:

This trail is located off of Hohokam road, 2.5 miles from the visitor center on the west side of Saguaro National Park. You’ll see a sign that says ‘Hugh Norris Trail’ next to a parking area which marks the trailhead.

What to Bring:

As with any hike in the park, make sure to bring plenty of water and a sun hat for protection. Once your water is half gone, turn back around (particularly in the summer months). If you’d like to enjoy the views a little longer, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy from the boulders at the first peak on the trail.

Hugh Norris Trail in Saguaro National Park is a moderate out and back trail named after a respected Tohono O’odham police chief, and is our absolute favorite trail on the west side of the park. The trailhead is only a few minute drive from The Wanderer, and though it’s 9.8 miles in total it can be shortened to any length depending on how you’re feeling.

The trail at Hugh Norris begins with an incline, the perfect start for warming our bones on crisp mornings. This mile or so of incline is hugely rewarded when reaching the first peak—boulder formations frame desert views and seemingly endless Saguaros. We love taking a pause at this point on the trail to soak up the views and sunshine. From here, continue on the mountainside switchbacks which eventually reach Sendero Esperanza trail, or if you’ve met your limit it’s also a great turning point to head back down the mountain.

valley view overlook

Trail Length:

Valley View Overlook is .8 mile out and back. This short trail only takes about 30 minutes to hike, but ideally plan for a little longer so you can stop to sit on the bench at the top and enjoy the views. The trail begins through multiple washes, and then gradually ascends up to some of the most incredible views of Avra valley and Picacho Peak.

Trail Access:

This trail is located off of Bajada Loop Drive, 3.5 miles north of the visitor center on the west side of Saguaro National Park. You’ll see a sign that says ‘View Trail’ next to a parking area which marks the trailhead.

What to Bring:

As with any hike in the park, make sure to bring plenty of water and a sun hat for protection. Once your water is half gone, turn back around (particularly in the summer months). If you’d like to enjoy the views a little longer, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy from the bench at the top.

Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park is an easy out and back trail that we especially love for spotting all kinds of native desert plants. The trailhead is only a few minutes drive from The Wanderer, and the trail itself takes only about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick adventure into the park.

The trail begins with a slight decline through a wash before heading up a gradual incline with stone steps. We love this as an intro trail for those who haven’t been to Saguaro National Park before, since you’ll find signs along the trail pointing out various native plants. A few favorite plants to spot along the trail are Ocotillo, Engelmann’s Prickly Pear, Hedgehog cacti, Brittlebush, and Buckhorn Cholla (and of course the hard to miss Saguaro cacti). When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find a lone bench waiting for you to take a seat and look out to an endless abyss of Saguaros and mountain views.

Mount lemmon

What to Bring:

As with any hike in the park, make sure to bring plenty of water and a sun hat for protection. Once your water is half gone, turn back around (particularly in the summer months).

As much as we love the desert, sometimes it’s nice to have a change of scenery. Luckily here in Tucson you don’t have to travel far to experience something completely different. Towering at 9,171 feet above sea level, Mount Lemmon’s change in elevation from the base to the peak is comparable to that between Mexico and Canada! And at just under an hour from The Wanderer to the base of Mount Lemmon (where Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway begins) it’s an easy day trip too.

Mount Lemmon’s peak can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the town of Tucson below. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat of the Sonoran desert in the summer, watch the leaves change color in the fall, or enjoy snow sports in the winter. Driving or biking up Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway to Summerhaven, the little town at the top, makes for a scenic day trip from Tucson. The road meanders up the mountain for 25 miles, with countless breathtaking views along the way. You’ll traverse through 6 different ecosystems, starting in saguaro dominated desert and ending up at evergreen forests, as you meander up the scenic mountain traverse. There’s plenty of places to pull over for a picnic, hike or photo opp.

There are lots of great Mount Lemmon hikes to choose from, but if we had to pick one, we’d choose Marshall Gulch. It’s located at the peak of the mountain, and offers plenty of gorgeous alpine views as well as fun creekside splashes.

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whether you’re outside exploring or inside sonoring, there’s a place for you here.