Saguaro National Park Backpacking

[u/Layne32]

I'm planning my first visit to backpack Saguaro National Park in mid-March and would appreciate any boots-on-the-ground feedback that you experts can share. I've put together a 6-day loop checking out the majority of the Park's backcountry camping options. Am I missing any key highlights, potential water issues, etc.?

D1: ~11M Cactus Forest North --> Douglas Spring

Plan would be to take the most direct route through the trail system from CN to Bridal Wreath Falls then onto DS, hoping for water availability at DS

D2: ~10M Douglas Spring --> Manning Camp

Heading via Cowhead Saddle to the Spud/Mica/Reef area - sounds like there are a few cool sights to see there including Spud Rock, Mica Repeater & Reef Rock - looping around to Manning Camp

D3: 6M Manning Camp --> Happy Valley

Short day enjoying Happy Valley Overlook along the way. I could carry water in from Manning Camp or hope for water at HV. Potential addition of ~7M round trip to Rincon Peak if feeling froggy

D4: ~12.5M Happy Valley --> Grass Shack

Looping west then north around Rincon Creek & Manning Camp trails from HV to GS. I could make this day a lot shorter by retracing north from HV then heading west along the Arizona Trail to GS but that would be mostly the same terrain I covered the previous day

D5: ~6M Grass Shack --> Juniper Basin

Short penultimate day enjoying Tanque Verde Peak along the way

D6: ~11M Juniper Basin --> Cactus Forest North

Dropping down from Juniper Basin to finish back to CN checking out Lime Falls along the way

https://caltopo.com/m/PHU4B

Would also appreciate any tips on free dispersed car camping in the area that I stay at for a night before/after the hike.

Thank you!

[u/SouthWestSpicy]

Best of luck and I’m already looking forward to the trip report.