Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saguaro protects whole forests of the giant cactus that stands for the American West, some of them taller than a house and well over a century old. The park comes in two halves on either side of Tucson: the Tucson Mountain District to the west, with the densest stands and the best sunsets, and the Rincon Mountain District to the east, which climbs from desert into pine forest. Two days lets you hike in both. October through April is the season; from May to September, hike at dawn or not at all. Late spring, when the saguaros wear crowns of white flowers, is a treat.
TRAILS
1 OF 6
Wasson Peak via King Canyon
Difficulty
Hard
Length
7 mi
Elevation gain
1,800 ft
Tucson Mountain District · King Canyon trailhead — The top of the Tucson Mountains at 4,687 feet. The route climbs past old mine shafts and through thick saguaro forest to a ridge, then on to a summit with Tucson on one side and the Avra Valley on the other. It's the best workout in the west district. Make a loop by coming down the Hugh Norris Trail if you have a ride or don't mind extra road walking.
⚠︎ No water and little shade. Start at sunrise, and skip it on hot afternoons.
Photo: Outdoor Craziness, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 6
Valley View Overlook
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.8 mi
Elevation gain
100 ft
Tucson Mountain District · Bajada Loop Drive — A short trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dips through two washes and rises to a ridge with benches and a view across a valley full of saguaros. It's the classic sunset spot in the park. Signs along the way name the common desert plants. Bring a headlamp for the walk back.
Photo: Joe Parks from Berkeley, CA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 6
Signal Hill Petroglyphs
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.3 mi
Elevation gain
50 ft
Tucson Mountain District · Signal Hill picnic area — A short climb up stone steps to a small hilltop covered in boulders carved by the Hohokam people centuries ago. Look for spirals, animals and geometric shapes. The view over the saguaros is a bonus. Please look but don't touch; skin oils damage the rock art.
Photo: National Park Service Digital Image Archives, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 6
Bridal Wreath Falls
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.8 mi
Elevation gain
1,100 ft
Rincon Mountain District · Douglas Spring trailhead — A climb from the east edge of Tucson up into the Rincon foothills to a small waterfall that spreads over the rock like lace. The falls run best after winter rain and often trickle or stop by late spring. The views back over the city are good either way. Start early; there's little shade.
⚠︎ Seasonal waterfall. Carry plenty of water; there is none on the trail.
Photo: Jasonctillmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 6
Freeman Homestead
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi loop
Elevation gain
100 ft
Rincon Mountain District · Javelina picnic area — A gentle loop down to the adobe foundation of an early homestead, then through a grove of large saguaros and along a shady desert wash. It's a great walk for kids and for spotting birds. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see wildlife.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 6
Cactus Forest Trail
Difficulty
Easy
Length
5.5 mi one way
Elevation gain
200 ft
Rincon Mountain District · Cactus Forest Loop Drive — A gently rolling path straight through the heart of the east district's saguaro forest, shared with cyclists on part of its length. Walk as much or as little as you like, since it crosses the loop drive in several places. Look for the old lime kilns along the way. Sunrise light on the cactus is worth the early alarm.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Saguaro trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.