Best trails in Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park was created to protect the saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the United States. Saguaros grow up to %{50_feet} tall and live for up to 200 years! Saguaros grow slowly — only about %{1_inch} per year. They start to flower around 35 years old (look for flowers in late April through June). Not all saguaros grow arms, but it takes 50 to 100 years for the ones that do! Saguaros only grow in the Sonoran Desert, and visiting the park is a unique chance to see them up close.
The park has 2 separate sections east and west of Tucson, Arizona. It takes about 45 minutes to drive between them. The Tucson Mountain District on the western side is more popular. The trails are shorter and more educational. There's also the densest concentration of saguaros here. The Rincon Mountain District on the eastern side is more mountainous. The cacti are less concentrated here, but the mountains make for a beautiful backdrop. The trails on the eastern side are longer and less crowded. You can also camp and backpack on this side.
Both park districts offer beautiful hiking trails where you can experience the saguaros and many other types of cacti. You can find prickly pear, cholla, ocotillo, barrel cacti, and many more. The park is also full of wildlife. Many of the trails are great for birding, and hikers have spotted lizards, snakes, jackrabbits, desert tortoises, and more.
One of the best times to visit Saguaro National Park is in the winter when the weather is milder. Late fall and early spring are also good times to check out the park. Whenever you visit, remember that most of the trails lack shade — bring lots of water and sun protection. If you plan to visit both sections of the park, you may want 2 days (or more!) to explore the beautiful desert landscapes.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at fee kiosks or automated fee machines. The fee includes entrance to both park districts.
Top trails
- (3878)•Moderate•7.8 miThis trail boasts incredible views, abundant wildlife, and is the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. To begin the hike, head northwest on the street from the parking area until you reach the Gould Mine Trail. Follow this mostly flat trail until it connects with the Hugh Norris Trail heading east. This trail will take you to the top of Wasson Peak, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the beautiful desert landscape. To return, follow the King Canyon Trail.
- (2811)•Moderate•5.9 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail winds through a desert landscape surrounded by towering saguaro cacti, leading to the beautiful Bridal Wreath Falls. The rugged and rocky terrain contrasts with the unexpected oasis of the waterfall, making for a memorable journey. It's best to visit the falls after some rainfall, as they may have little water after April.
- (2498)•Moderate•2.5 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis is a beautiful and enjoyable trail that offers great views of the surrounding area. It is recommended to wear shoes with good grip as the trail can be rocky and have loose gravel. At higher elevations and exposed areas, it can get very windy. The loop provides a moderate hike with unique views of the Saguaro National Park and its many varieties of cacti, including the famous Saguaro cactus.
- (1805)•Moderate•6.9 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThis is a stunning trail that winds through the desert and leads up to Wasson Peak, offering breathtaking mountain views. The trail is properly maintained and marked, however, be aware of the side trails that may cause confusion. It's highly recommended to download the offline map to stay on track. There are no facilities available at the trailhead, but the visitor's center is conveniently located just a mile up the road.
- (2241)•Easy•2.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis hike is perfect for a short stay in Tucson and a quick visit to Saguaro National Park. The trail provides stunning views of cacti and is easy and flat, with clear signage at major junctions. It's especially beautiful in the spring when the cacti and other plants are in bloom. The trail is rocky; however, it is fairly level.
- (2058)•Easy•0.8 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Valley View Overlook Trail is located at Saguaro West. It is a well-maintained and easy route, offering breathtaking views and beautiful saguaros all along the way. The trail is short and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it a great option for those who have limited time. However, parking at the trailhead can be a challenge, especially on weekends.
- (1732)•Easy•0.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrSignal Hill is a well-known multi-use trail located along the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park. It is popular among visitors for being the best place to observe petroglyphs within the park. There are a few trails that begin from the parking lot, as well as a picnic area. At the top of the short and steep hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings, and there are also interpretive signs along the way to inform about the local history, flora, and fauna.
- (2264)•Moderate•5.4 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis beautiful trail can be rocky and steep in some parts, so wearing boots and bringing trekking poles is recommended. The trail leads along a ridgeline that ends with fantastic panoramic views of the dome. The trail is generally well-maintained, but watch out for some spiky cacti in certain areas.
- (1592)•Moderate•7.3 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis beautiful hiking trail takes you through the stunning desert scenery, surrounded by cacti and other wonderful flora. The terrain is rocky with some sandy sections. The trail is mainly exposed to the sun, with very little shade, so it is recommended to bring enough water and sun protection. If you plan to visit during the spring months, you will be delighted with an abundance of wildflowers and blooming cacti.
- (1751)•Easy•3.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail features stunning views of the Saguaro desert landscape, showcasing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The trail is relatively flat and well-marked, making it an excellent option for hikers of all skill levels. Hikers should be prepared to navigate several creek crossings, which may require waterproof shoes or the willingness to embrace wet feet. The terrain can be rocky and muddy in some areas, so it is advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots and exercise caution. ...
Visitor info
This fee is charged per-vehicle upon entrance, regardless of the number of riders. An Annual Pass will cover two motorcycles traveling together if the two people who signed that pass are on different motorcycles. A Lifetime Pass (such as the Access or Senior Pass) with one signature line will only cover one motorcycle.
Individuals entering the park by means other than a motor vehicle may purchase individual entrance passes. This includes hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists. The individual entrance fee is charged to anyone 16 years of age or older.
The vehicle entrance pass is sold in the form of a dated register receipt and admits one privately owned, non-commercial vehicle into Saguaro National Park. This includes passenger cars, trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, or converted buses used for private, recreational purposes.
This pass covers up to 4 adults (anyone over the age of 16) or everyone in a single, non-commercial, vehicle. Is accepted in both districts of the park.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The East and West Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible; some are auto-caravans (where rangers speak near your vehicle).
Additional information about accessibility at Saguaro National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The East and West Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Mica View and Javelina Picnic Areas in Saguaro East and Sus, Signal Hill, Cam-Boh, and Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic Areas in Saguaro West are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Hard trails in Saguaro National Park
- Easy trails in Saguaro National Park
- Forest trails in Saguaro National Park
- Historic site trails in Saguaro National Park
- Long trails in Saguaro National Park
- Moderate trails in Saguaro National Park
- No dogs trails in Saguaro National Park
- Short trails in Saguaro National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Saguaro National Park
- Waterfall trails in Saguaro National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Saguaro National Park
- Wildlife trails in Saguaro National Park
Points of interest
- Signal Hill
- Wasson Peak
- Bridal Wreath Falls
- Safford Peak
- Prehistoric Rock Art
- Rincon Peak
- Ernie's Falls
- Grass Shack Spring
- Tanque Verde Peak
- Pink Hill
- Douglas Camp Spring
- Amole Peak
- Manning Camp
- Future Generations Overlook
- Apache Peak
- Happy Valley Vampground
- Grass Shack
- Cactus Forest Overlook
- Mam-a-Gah Picnic Area
- Douglas Spring
