Saguaro National Park is separated by the town of Tucson in southern Arizona. Â You may be trying to decide which area to go to on your visit. Â Let’s take a look at what each area offers to help with your plans.
East - Rincon Mountain District
Cactus Forest
Cactus Forest Drive
The 8-mile, paved loop goes around the entire east side of the park. Â It’s a wonderful way to see the park. Â Some people choose to make this area of the park a driving tour and never get out of their car because the views from the loop offer so much. Â Biking the loop is also a very common occurrence in the park. Â If you have your RV with you, note that trailers longer than 35ft/wider than 8ft are not permitted on the loop drive.
Mica View Area
This is the perfect spot to have a picnic lunch while you are on the east side.  There are a few covered picnic tables as well as parking.  Be aware that this area is very popular so the parking lot can fill up fast.  I’d recommend going to this area early in the day.  Before you leave, combine the Mica View & Cactus Forest Trail for a 2 mile hike.  It begins at the picnic area and as you’re on the trail, you’ll get a close up view of all the beautiful things you’ve seen looking out your window on the Cactus Forest Drive.  What a way to get out of the car!
Desert Ecology Trail
This trail is a wonderful introduction to the park. Â You can learn about all of the different wildlife and plant life that exist in the park. Â This trail is for everyone. Â It is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and allows pets.
Javelina Rocks
If you’ve brought your kids to Saguaro National Park, you MUST go to the Javelina Rocks.  This is the #1 spot to take kids in the park.  There are great climbing opportunities, as well as exploration and nice views of the cactus forest.
Freeman Homestead
If history is more your thing. Hike the Freeman Homestead Trail.  It is just shy of a mile and you’ll hike down a desert wash.  You may notice signs along the way.  These will help further your education on the homestead.  There are specific activities on the signs for kids which makes this a great family trail.  Don’t expect a huge homestead when you arrive, but there are definitely signs of what used to be.
Rincon Valley
If you’re looking for some longer hikes, consider the Rincon Valley area.  Trails range anywhere from 2 – 6.5 miles in length.  We hiked the Ridgeview Trail and absolutely loved the expansive views of the entire park and Rincon Peak.
Wilderness
Trails
18 miles
Trailhead at Javelina Picnic Area
Juniper Basin Campground
Recommend 2-day trip
26 miles
East end of Speedway Blvd
Bridal Wreath Falls
Douglas Spring Campground
Summit of Mica Mountain
Recommend 2-3 day trip
15.5 miles
Happy Valley Saddle Campground
Trailhead 50 miles from Visitor Center
Rock Scrambling
Recommend 2-day trip
Camping
Backcountry camping is available by permit only. Â There is no camping for RVs of any kind. Â Permits are required and you can get all of the information you need for camping HERE.
West - Tucson Mountain District
Desert Discovery Trail
There’s no better place to start on the west side than the Discovery Trail.  It’s an easy, 0.4 mile, paved walk with signs that tell you all about your surroundings.
Valley View
Take a drive on the Hohokam Rd/Golden Gate Rd loop through the Valley View area. Â The road is unpaved, but shouldn’t give you any problems unless a heavy rain has just occurred. Â Hike the 0.3 mile Valley View Trail among the cacti.
Signal Hill
This is an extremely popular area on the west side of the park. Â It’s a great place to stop for a snack or lunch before heading out on the trail. Â You will not want to miss the petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail. Â It’s just a short walk from the picnic area. Â You can also combine this trail with Cactus Wren and Manville Trails for a 1.7 mile loop.
King Canyon
King Canyon was certainly our favorite trail in the entire park. Â It has expansive views on the 1.8 mile hike. Â Head up the King Canyon Trail to the old picnic area. Â Discover petroglyphs in the area and then return to the parking lot via the sandy wash. Â Check out the video below to help you locate the petroglyphs. Â They can be a little tricky to find.
It may be hard to decide which area of Saguaro National Park you want to visit. Â My advice…DO BOTH! Â You shouldn’t have to miss out on anything! Â Take a day on each side of the park and really explore all it has. Â There is much to see!
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Saguaro National Park or the National Park Service.
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