Mica View Loop

Distance: 2mi

Duration: 45min

Difficulty: Easy

Javelina Wash

The Mica view loop was the one trail in Saguaro national park where I was completely lost for directions. It was my first stop on my second day visiting the park and it wasn't the best way to kick start the day. Usually when I plan for a trail I have a turn around point in mind and a rough idea to get there and back. But, I wasn't sure where I was headed and what I was looking for most of the hike. The easiest part was finding the trail head near the Mica view picnic area off of the Cactus forest drive. According to the brochure the trail would lead me to some of the best views of the Mica mountain and back to the picnic area. After about a quarter mile into the  the loop I was completely clueless about which of the numerous mountains was supposed to be the one I was looking for. My navigation skills were put to test as the trails disappeared into one desert wash after another. 

Just about when I thought I was completely lost and was wondering if I should turn back two rangers on horse back ensured me that I was on the right track. They gave me the directions for the loop and pointed out to me the rough location of the Mica mountain. With new found confidence I made my way down the Cactus forest trail for another half a mile before a couple of washes stopped me in my tracks. Afraid that I would get lost I decided to head back along the Javelina wash back to the Mica view picnic area. This Javelina wash was probably the most interesting part of the entire hike. It was nice to walk along the smooth sediments of the wash and besides I came upon some old snake skin. Soon after I was back at quarter mile marker where all my troubles had started. I headed back the same way I had come, back to the picnic area. Though a little disappointed that I could not find Mica mountain, but it felt nice to get out of the car and stretch my legs. It was a perfect warm up for the Loma Verde loop, my next and final stop in the park ...

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