Cactus Forest Trail
Table of contents
If you’re on the hunt for quintessential Sonoran Desert scenery, the Cactus Forest Trail is the one. This 16.1 km hike is everything you’d want to see if you were looking for a classic desert hike, with countless towering saguaros and the mountains of Saguaro National Forest East in the distance. It’s a longer hike but it’s relatively flat and the footing is even and not rocky. This trail can get extremely hot, so avoid it in the summer months and bring more water than you think you may need.
Route Description for Cactus Forest Trail
The Cactus Forest Trail stretches into Saguaro National Park East in Tucson, providing a perfect snapshot of the desert scenery this area is known for. This route is favored by hikers of all levels as well as trail runners for its even footing. Families with kids can enjoy this trail, perhaps just turning back early if the full distance is too much.
This route gets incredibly hot in the summer months, so we recommend avoiding it when temperatures are soaring. Early morning hikes are ideal, but no matter when you visit, bring plenty of water and wear sun protection.
From the trailhead near the road, the route heads southeast and then south. Go straight through the first junction and then keep right at the junction with Cholla Trail. Where the trail splits with Mesquite, stay right again. Cross Cactus Forest Drive, keep right where Lime Falls Trail splits off, and then continue to where the trail ends at the road. From here, turn back and retrace your steps.
Getting to the Cactus Forest Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Cactus Forest Trail 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:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Cactus Forest Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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