Liam Kennedy and Chase Shoults might not have lasting memories of their recent trip on the Sweetwater Trail.
The two infants are each a mere 6 months old — and they made the journey on the backs of their moms, Kathleen Kennedy and Stacy Spurgeon-Shoults.
"We've hiked about three miles today, and they seem to be doing fine," said Kennedy as the four made their way down the trail west of Tucson in Saguaro National Park.
That's one way to enjoy the Sweetwater Trail — taking an easy-paced family outing on the lower mile or two of the route as it switchbacks through cactus country.
For a more vigorous workout, many hikers follow the trail on a gradual ascent for 3.4 miles to a ridgeline junction with the King Canyon Trail. That 6.8-mile round trip makes a good late autumn or winter day-hike.
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Feeling really frisky? Continue from the Sweetwater-King Canyon junction 1.2 miles to the top of 4,687-foot Wasson Peak, the high point of the Tucson Mountains. You'll cover 9.2 miles on a round-trip trek to the top of the peak.
To the trailhead: Starting at the Camino del Cerro/ Ruthrauff Road exit from Interstate 10, drive west on Camino del Cerro 5.7 miles to its end point at the trailhead. Stay on the main paved road and follow signs to the trailhead. Pets and bikes are prohibited.
For more hiking stories, go to go.azstarnet.com/trails.
Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star Hikers Kathleen Kennedy, left, and Stacy Spurgeon-Shoults carry their infants on the Sweetwater Trail in Saguaro National Park's West Unit.