Best Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park

Overview

Arizona's Saguaro National Park is known for two things: its vast forest of 100-year old saguaro cacti, and its incredible diversity of terrain. Here, the park's 150-mile network of trails crosses everything from desert scrub to pine forest to snow-capped mountains. That makes Saguaro a true four-season destination.

Come here to hike, camp, examine 1000-year-old petroglyphs, or scout for wildlife. In addition to critters native to the park's namesake desert ecosystem, Saguaro is home to black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and coati.

Getting Started

The wild, primitive nature of Saguaro National Park is part of its appeal. It also means that amenities are a little sparser here than in other national parks.

For example, car camping is not possible anywhere in the national park; no campsites are accessible by vehicle. However, if you have a tent and are willing to do a little hiking, you can apply for an overnight permit at any of the six designated campgrounds, or secure a wilderness permit and plan a backpacking trip for even more solitude.

This park is split into two districts, situated on either side of the city of Tuscon.

Tuscon Mountain District

The western district is smaller in area and lower in elevation. It's home to some of the larger stands of saguaro cacti.

To get a taste of the region, try one of the area's more popular out-and-backs: Start at the West Camino del Cerro parking area and climb the Sweetwater Trail about 1,000 vertical feet over 3.4 miles. From there, head north to tag Watson Peak, or stop before the turnoff and retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Rincon Mountain District

The eastern district is larger and more biologically diverse, and includes a number of peaks over 8,000 feet tall. Head to these high-elevation "sky islands" in the summer to find cooler temperatures.

If you're headed here, the 5.9-mile Carrillo Trail and Douglas Spring Loop is a great place to start. For a bigger adventure that takes you into serious Rincon hill country, tackle the 13.4 mile, 4,800-foot climb to Manning Camp. Stay a night (or two) and hike out the way you came.

If you're local to the area (although visitors can apply, too), Saguaro National Park offers a unique volunteer opportunity to survey saguaro in difficult-to-access parts of the park. Volunteers have the opportunity to observe, measure and plot GPS coordinates of the cacti.

When to Go

While the range of elevation in Saguaro means you can find something to do here any time of year, keep in mind that you still have to pass through the lowlands to get up high, and summer temps in Tuscon frequently exceed 100°F. For that reason, most visitors come between November and March to take advantage of the mild winter weather. If you do decide to visit during the summer, head to the mountains, or time your trip between April and June to catch the saguaro cactus gardens in bloom.

Permits

Saguaro National Park currently charges day-use fees for admission. It also accepts annual and interagency passes. Current costs are available on the park's passes and fees page.

Permits are required for any overnight stays in the park.

Dog Info

Pets are allowed only on paved trails and in some picnic areas. This is in part to protect pets from hazards like rattlesnakes and cactus spines, and in part to preserve the park's sensitive ecosystems.