Saguaro National Park is a dream destination for those who want to feel humbled by the environment and have an obsession with all things desert (that’s me!).
While the park is hot and relatively unmanageable during the summers, it is a great place to take advantage of the many hikes in Saguaro National Park in the winter and other times of the year.
If youʻre booking your trip to Tuscon last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇺🇸 Top Experiences and Tours in Tucson:
- Saguaro National Park East bike tour (top-seller!)
- Tucson guided tour (has a private car!)
- Oasis tour of Tucson (explores Mount Lemmon)
- Day trip to Bisbee and Tombstone (great for kids)
🛌 Top Hotels in Tucson:
- Lodge On The Desert (has a pool!)
- The Blenman Inn (retro interior; unique option)
- Graduate Tucson (has a beautiful view of the city)
🚗 Visiting Arizona independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
Saguaro is one of the best national parks to visit in January and other winter months! This guide details the best Saguaro National Park trails and hiking in Saguaro for all levels. It truly is one of the best day trips from Tucson.
If you have a favorite trail in Saguaro National Park or have any tips to share with those venturing there for some nature therapy, please leave a comment below!
I hope you consider adding this US National Park to your Arizona bucket list!
In this post...
- What to Know Before Hiking in Saguaro National Park
- Map of the Best Trails in Saguaro National Park
- Best Easy Hikes in Saguaro National Park
- Best Moderate Hikes in Saguaro National Park
- Best Difficult Hikes in Saguaro National Park
- What to Pack and Wear
- Additional Arizona Travel Resources
- Pin this Saguaro National Park Trails Guide
What to Know Before Hiking in Saguaro National Park
There are many things to know before you partake in the hikes in Saguaro National Park. Click here to see what is permitted and prohibited at Saguaro NP.
If you have additional questions, please send us a message or leave a comment below.
Best Time to Go Hiking in Saguaro National Park
Situated in the middle of the scorching Arizona desert, the best time to visit Saguaro National Park is from October until April.
You will find that Saguaro is unbearably hot in the summer and that most people visiting will just simply drive through the park because the temperatures do not allow much hiking.
If you are hiking in Saguaro National Park, you will want to opt for late autumn, winter, and early spring.
Rincon Mountain District vs. Tucson Mountain District
One thing to know before setting off to go hiking in Saguaro NP is that the park is divided into two areas: East and West, or Rincon Mountain District (east) and Tucson Mountain District (west).
The city of Tucson is located in the middle of the two, and it is easy to reach both.
The landscapes are similar in both, but the rules are different, and there is a visitor’s center located at both entrances.
Please note that you can enjoy wilderness camping in RMD but not inside TMD. This is a perfect option for those backpacking in the US or the Southwestern states.
The Tucson Mountain District’s visitor center is located at 2700 N. Kinney Road, and the Rincon Mountain District’s visitor center is located at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.
So, which part of Saguaro National Park is better? They are both spectacular, to be honest. But there are more saguaro cacti in the western part of the park (TMD).
Map of the Best Trails in Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park East Trails
There are a variety of trails in each part of Saguaro National Park. This guide showcases a mixture of both parks, so for a quick reference, here are the Saguaro National Park east trails (Rincon Mountain District) that you will find in this guide.
- Mica View Loop Trail
- Garwood Trail
- Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
- Douglas Spring Trail
- Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
- Turkey Creek
Saguaro National Park West Trails
Alternatively, you will find a few Saguaro National Park West trails in this guide too. Here is a quick list of the trails we cover that are in the Tucson Mountain District.
- Valley View Overlook Trail
- Petroglyphs at King Canyon
- Gould Mine
Best Easy Hikes in Saguaro National Park
1. Mica View Loop Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Elevation Gain: 121 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
Mica View Loop Trail is an easy trail located in Saguaro National Park East. It is heavily trafficked and a fan favorite because of its beautiful wildflowers and accessibility for all hiking levels.
Open year-round, Mica View is a great trail for those wanting to start the hike early in the day or the evening. The last 3/4 of a mile of the trail is paved, but it is somewhat sandy on the first part of the hike.
Be vigilant for wildlife on the trail. Many hikers report seeing snakes and bobcats, and hearing coyotes in the distance!
2. Valley View Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 49 feet
Location: Tucson Mountain District (west)
Valley View Overlook Trail is another popular favorite among hikers in Saguaro National Park, and it is located in the Tucson Mountain District (west).
The 0.8-mile, easy trail is perfect for those hiking with kids in Saguaro National Park, and it is accessible year-round.
One thing to note about this easy hike in Saguaro is that there is no shade. So, be sure to go early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler if you’re venturing there during the warmer times of the year.
Be sure to watch out for snakes, lizards, rabbits, and more along the way! This is one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park for those wanting to get acquainted with the nature of the place.
3. Garwood Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 203 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
A very easy trail to access and hike in Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District is the Garwood Trail. It is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail that is great for all skill levels and is best visited from September until May.
This trail hugs the edge of the mountains but does not offer much shade, so be sure to bring a lot of water and a hat.
You will have the chance to walk through beautiful saguaros, prickly pears, cholla, and grass. You can also continue at the endpoint and take the Wildhorse Trail, another popular Saguaro National Park trail that hikers love.
Be on the lookout for Gila monsters along the way! Either way, this is the perfect trail if you only have a weekend in Tucson and want something short and easy!
Best Moderate Hikes in Saguaro National Park
4. Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
Distance: 5.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,072 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
The Bridal Wreath Falls Trail is a heavily trafficked trail near Tucson that is an out-and-back favorite. Along the route, you will find a waterfall and many other stunning views over the Arizona wilderness.
At 5.6 miles long, this trail is best accessed in the winter months when the temperatures are tolerable. It is best to arrive at the trail early to beat the sun and other hikers. Try to be there at around 5-6am.
It is not uncommon to see animals along this Saguaro National Park trail! Other hikers have reported seeing desert tortoises and snakes, such as diamondbacks.
Be sure to bring a lot of water with you, however. There is nowhere to fill up on the hike.
5. Petroglyphs at King Canyon
Distance: 2.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 291 feet
Location: Tucson Mountain District (west)
This trail in Saguaro National Park is situated in the Tucson Mountain District in the west and is classified as a moderate trail.
The 2.2-mile Arizona hike tends to be heavily trafficked, and the trail is used for hiking, birdwatching, and walking. It is best to visit it from September until May.
The petroglyphs are on two large rock walls just below the picnic area, about a mile into your hike. Petroglyphs at King Canyon is one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park for beginners.
6. Douglas Spring Trail
Distance: 16.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 3,740 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
One of the most popular hikes in Saguaro National Park East is the Douglas Spring Trail, a 16.6-mile trail that has a waterfall and many amazing vistas that overlook the Arizona landscapes.
It is accessible year-round, and you can go horseback on the trail. Many people believe that this hike ends at Bridal Wreath Falls, but it continues past the famous landmark.
The scenery along the hike is the traditional Sonoran Desert Scrub, and it gets wilder and wilder the further along the trail you manage to get.
If you wish to stay overnight on this hike, you will need to obtain a permit from the Saguaro National Park office before starting your hike.
7. Gould Mine
Distance: 2.3 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Elevation Gain: 380 feet
Location: Tucson Mountain District (west)
A well-marked trail near Tucson is Gould Mine, a 2.3-mile hike that is located in Saguaro National Park West. The trail is popular for hikes, walks, and birdwatching and is open to visitors year-round.
It is of moderate difficulty and is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy viewing saguaros. There are quite a few loose rocks on the route, and this Saguaro trail can be a bit of a challenge for those with bad knees.
The best time to walk this trail is during the spring, when all of the desert flowers are in bloom. Be sure to arrive early to beat the heat!
Best Difficult Hikes in Saguaro National Park
8. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
Distance: 20 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 5,597 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
A heavily trafficked, albeit difficult, trail in Saguaro National Park is the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail in Rincon Mountain District.
This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out-and-back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. There are many beautiful views, but a lot of false peaks.
It is also not as well-maintained as other trails in Saguaro National Park, as it gets fewer hikers because it is a challenging hike.
You will see plenty of saguaros, chollas, and ocotillos along the way, and if the saguaros are in bloom when you’re there, you can eat the fruit right off of them on the trail!
There is minimal shade on this trail, and you will need to pack a lot of water. If you plan to camp along the way, you must obtain a permit from the Saguaro National Park office before setting off on your hike.
A recommended spot to camp is at Juniper Basin.
9. Turkey Creek
Distance: 12.1 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 3,937 feet
Location: Rincon Mountain District (east)
This is one of the hikes in Saguaro National Park that starts in a bit of an obscure location. It starts near Benson, Arizona, to the east of the Rincon Mountain District.
It is lightly trafficked, 12.1 miles long, and rated as difficult; therefore, inexperienced hikers may want to take a pass on this trail!
The trail has a great forest setting and is used mostly for running, camping, hiking, and backpacking. It is recommended to visit from March until December.
The stretches are not well maintained, and they can be steep with a lot of loose rock. Mud Spring will sometimes have water, but it is not a guarantee, so bring some along (it is suggested to bring at least 4 liters per person during the hotter months).
There is some shaded pine at around 3,500 feet in elevation that will offer a nice refuge from the blistering sun.
Be sure to have an early start! You must obtain a permit to wild camp in the park from the Saguaro National Park office beforehand.
What to Pack and Wear
Here are some essentials that you should pack for a day of hiking at Saguaro National Park:
Hiking boots: I swear by my Keen Targhee hiking boots, and they are an excellent choice for traipsing the wild trails at Saguaro National Park. Click here to see the Keen hiking boots I use.
Reusable water jug: Water is so essential if you’re on one of the hikes in Saguaro National Park and you need to remain hydrated. I always tote along a Klean Kanteen water jug with me for the journey.
Sunscreen: Lather on up, as many of the Saguaro National Park hikes have no shelter from the sun! The Arizona sun is ruthless, and you need to put sunscreen on before your hike!
Light-colored clothing with long pants: Make sure you wear something light-colored and, preferably, long, that covers your body from head to toe. Even though it is hot, you need to protect yourself from the sun and insects in the Arizona desert.
Park map: I recommend downloading an offline map from Alltrails before taking the hikes in Saguaro National Park. Better safe than sorry!
I hope that this guide to hiking in Saguaro National Park helps you plan your trip to this epic US national park in Arizona.
If you have any favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park that I missed, please leave a comment below! Thanks!
Additional Arizona Travel Resources
- Things to do in Tucson
- Weekend in Tucson itinerary
- California to Arizona road trip
- Best Airbnbs in Prescott, AZ
- Best Phoenix day trips
- Things to do in Prescott, AZ
- Best places to visit in Arizona
- Day trips from Tucson
- Places to visit near Sedona
Pin this Saguaro National Park Trails Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.
hi there, we are heading there next week and it’s our first visit. We are also going to Chricahua and Organ Pipe. What trails would you recommend for us for day hiking for saguaro? great article by the way