Filled with lots of tourist attractions, there are many things to do in Tucson. From showcasing rich culture and history in art museums to national parks, shopping centers, and gaming and casinos, Tucson will never disappoint you when planning a day out. Unlike other national parks, the desert city is famous for Saguaro National Park. From the east Tucson to the park’s west side, this park presents stunning views and challenging hiking trails through the prickly desert and rocky outcroppings.
Everyone will have their eco-tourism and adventure fantasy come true in this part of the world. Ensure that you start your journey early enough to avoid the scorching sun, and always ensure you are well-hydrated. Enjoy the wonderful sightseeing and discover the local fauna while walking through that desert, which is definitely a rare sight. Get ready to feel nature and let the place embrace you.
Best Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
1. Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine
Things to do: Hiking, Running, exploring Forest, exploring Wildflowers and Rocky places
If you are in for an exciting hike in Saguaro National Park, then the Wasson Peak Loop via Kings Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine trails is the best place for you. Wasson Peak, which marks the climax of the 6 km loop presents a moderate technical difficulty as well as extraordinary expansive vistas. The payoff to climbing Wasson Peak is well received, as it provides a spectacular view of the Mountains and the desert plain. On your way back, you should use Kings Canyon Trail to take a thrilling descent.
2. Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
Things to do: Hiking, explore the Forest, enjoy the view of the Waterfall, and explore Wildflowers & Wildlife.
Bridal Wreath Falls Trail is a famous trail, and there are high chances of meeting other hikers. Going early in the morning will ensure it is less crowded. With a view of intensifying water in the falls, this should be visited more often between Feb and March because the falls are dry in August. The trail is relatively easy to follow as it is often well compacted, though one has to be ready for a rather hot and dry hike in summer with not much tree cover.
3. King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak
Things to do: Hiking, exploring Wildflowers & Wildlife
The King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak is quite exciting and extends for people who want an exciting hiking experience with challenges. It is advised to hike between December to April since the weather is cooler, and if you want to explore wildflowers, you can visit in spring. Expect an uneven trail, with some areas of the trail having little or no tree coverage, and use caution on the sandy areas as they are often coupled with loose rocks and are hottest in August. A useful suggestion that should be mentioned is to take a map that an individual can use when one gets lost, moving through side trails.
4. Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, Three Tank, Garwood Loop
Things to do: Hiking, Walking, and exploring Wildflowers & Wildlife
The Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, Three Tank, and Garwood Loop is a sunny trek that guarantees a variety of views of the desert and is averagely tiresome. In a loop place, you can experience features of rocky parts, some sandy surfaces, and little tree cover. The trail is rather busy, so you may meet other tourists on the spot, but the view and the quality of the trail deserve it. March and April are the best times to see the most beautiful scenarios due to wildflowers and blooming cacti, but the flow in waterfalls can be impassable in the rainy season.
5. Mica View and Cactus Forest Loop
Things to do: Hiking, Walking, and exploring Wildlife
To get a tremendous, speedy view of the beauty of the Mica View and Cactus Forest Loop is a great drive. The forest is a loop trail, flat and relatively easy. It would only take 37 minutes to cover, and you can choose between hiking, jogging, or taking an Easy Stroll. It is situated in Saguaro National Park the trail is ideal for viewing cacti and desert plants that are more beautiful when in bloom during spring. The trail is easy to follow and fairly level, although it is mostly open. So, it is advised to go early in the morning to beat the sun.
6. Valley View Overlook Trail
Things to do: Hiking, Walking, and exploring Wildflowers & Wildlife
If you seek an opportunity to make a desert trip, then one good example of the best and most popular hiking trail is the Valley View Overlook Trail. This is based in Saguaro West and provides beautiful valley terrains, spectacular views of the cactus area, and wildflowers dotted along the walk. The trial is recommended for all ages interested in getting a glimpse of the Sonoran Desert.
7. Signal Hill Trail
Things to do: Hiking, Running, Walking, Horseback riding, and exploring Wildlife
Signal Hill Trail is for those who want to have a thrilling one-hour hike. It is located on the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park, created explicitly for its preserved petroglyphs and to show insight into the region’s early residents. At the top of the trail of the mountain that is at the centre of the desert you get to view the desert terrain. Dogs are prohibited, and you can hike, ride a horse, and jog in this place.
8. Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop
Things to do: Hiking, Running, and exploring the Forest, exploring Wildflowers and Wildlife
The day hike Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop is a hidden treasure for hikers and other adventure lovers. It is quite easy and stunning, and one can take about an hour to accomplish it. It is a relatively even and clear trail with beautiful views of the Saguaro desert. Both hikers and runners will enjoy the views of the cactus area and occasional flowers at the peak during spring. It offers a wonderful opportunity to plunge into the desert with its numerous meteorological and biological contrasts.
9. Tanque Verde Dome
Things to do: Hiking and explore Views
Adventure chasers should make it a point to check out the Tanque Verde Dome trail at Vail, AZ. This trek is a moderately difficult out-and-back trail that boasts a 464-meter one-way elevation gain, and it takes hikers. The trail, especially used by hikers, yields great and spectacular panoramic views from the top of the dome. Depending on its severity, it is advised to be carried out between the months of January and April to avoid the sun’s heat. The ground is often rough so it is good to wear good walking shoes and use a walking stick. Watch out for the cactus area on the trail, and you can enjoy appreciate beautiful views of the city of Tucson and the opportunity to meet the inhabitants of the desert, such as Gila monsters and mountain lions.
10. King Canyon, Sendero Esperanza, and Gould Mine Loop
Things to do: Hiking and exploring Views
King Canyon, Sendero Esperanza, and Gould Mine Loop are some Moderate difficulty trekking trails. The relatively proven trail is a favorite both in summer and in winter as it presents the numerous kinds of cactus areas of the Saguaro National Park, including the Saguaro one. It is advisable to make arrangements to find confirmation that windy conditions are probably going to be encountered at the higher grounds and that hot conditions are going to be expected in the summer.
What is the best time to hike at Saguaro National Park?
The best recommended time to hike in Saguaro National Park is during its cooler season, which lasts from October to April. During These months you can expect favorable weather conditions like comfortable temperatures, clear skies, excellent visibility, and little-to-no extreme heat. However, the weather can always change unexpectedly, regardless of the season.
We recommend hiking in Saguaro National Park during the most incredible months. You can avoid Saguaro National Park trekking during June, July, and August, as these are the hottest months. Hot weather can make the trails more challenging and potentially dangerous due to extreme heat.
Should I visit Saguaro East or Saguaro West?
If I could only explore one part of Saguaro National Park, I’d definitely choose the East district for hiking. The East side offers an incredible 128 miles of trails, which is nearly three times more than what the West district has to offer. With so much more ground to cover, you get a richer and more varied experience, from breathtaking desert landscapes to more secluded paths where you can truly immerse yourself in nature.