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    Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1.5-2h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    8.2 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    50 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is an easy trail in Tucson’s Saguaro National Park East. This route mostly has pretty desert vegetation to appreciate, so the beauty is more in the small things than in big, impressive views on this one. Try to time it for when the creosote is blooming for the best experience. This route generally sees moderate to heavy traffic.

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    Route Description for Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop

    The Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is an easy hike in Saguaro National Park East in Tucson, showing off the varied plants that line these desert trails. This route is great for hikers of all levels. Families with kids can enjoy this trail thanks to its lack of elevation gain. Note that dogs are not permitted on the trails in Saguaro National Park East.

    This route gets quite hot in the summer months, so we recommend avoiding it when temperatures are at their highest. Early morning hikes are ideal, but no matter when you visit, bring plenty of water and consider wearing sun protection.

    From the trailhead near the road, take Cactus Forest Trail, the route second to your left. Go straight through the first junction and then go left at the junction with Cholla Trail. Go left at the fork with Loma Verde onto Squeeze Pen. Head north and go left onto Pink Hill Trail where it branches off. Stay left and then right. This route will return you to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is off E Broadway Boulevard.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-May

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop Elevation Graph

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    Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop Reviews

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