The Gould Mine Loop - formed by connecting the Gould Mine, Sendero Esperanza and King Canyon Trails - is a short, easy way to explore the Tucson Mountain foothills. Hikers will enjoy good views and abundant saguaros along the steep south flank of Wasson Peak.

Teddy Bear Cholla rely on fallen joints to reproduce, which root easily where they land. It's therefore common for plots to consist of genetically identical individuals (clonal propagation)

The Tucson Mountain District ranges 2,180' - 4,687' and supports over 400 plant species on just 10.25" of annual rain

Saguaros generally bud in April, bloom in May and produce fruit in June

The Gould Mine yielded only $9,000 of low-grade chalcopyrite

Dry falls in King Canyon become impassible torrents after heavy rain

Canals built by the Hohokam people centuries ago are still intact across the Tucson Valley

The Saguaro National Park area was settled in the 1690s by Father Kino and Captain Manje who founded missions along the Santa Cruz River

The Hohokam culture phased out in the 15th century, attributed to multiple factors over time (v. an abrupt societal collapse)

A saguaro may grow only 1 - 1.5 inches in its first five - eight years of life

Saguaro juice was fermented for ceremonial use by the Hohokam people