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A popular multi-use trail with fantastic views of the Sonoran Desert.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Point to Point

3,094' 943 m

High

2,763' 842 m

Low

383' 117 m

Up

110' 33 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Arrive at Cactus Forest North Trailhead via Cactus Forest Drive. Head south enjoying views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. Be aware that this is a multi-use trail open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders. This is the only trail within Saguaro NP available to mountain biking. In addition, mountain bikers are only allowed on the trail between Cactus Forest Drive.

After approximately a mile, there are remains of old lime kilns used in the early 1900's. The Park Service placed interpretive signs at the kilns detailing the source, and use, of the lime. Continuing south from the kilns, you'll weave up and down some small hills. The hills give you an elevated view of the park.

Just to note, in addition to access points within Saguaro NP, there are also access points just outside the park boundary on Broadway Blvd (on the north) and Old Spanish Trail (on the south).

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris McD

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 8 votes

#12130

Overall
  3.8 from 8 votes
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4 Star
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3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#394

in Arizona

#12,130

Overall
44 Views Last Month
2,696 Since Oct 1, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Saguaro, prickly pear, and cholla cacti along the Cactus Forest Trail with Rincon Mountains in the background.
Oct 10, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
Mica View Trail looking north at Catalina Mountains. While the trail is wide and smooth, look out for the jumping cactus.
Jun 28, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
Looking north from Cactus Forest Trail. The Santa Catalina Mountains are in the distance.
Oct 10, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
View north from the Cactus Forest Trail.
Oct 10, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
Cactus Forest Trail
Oct 1, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
Trail junction of Mica View and Cactus Forest Trails.
Aug 27, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Dec 10, 2023
Acy Crawford
5.3mi — 8h 00m
Dec 9, 2022
Regan Muth
May 29, 2022
alex carlton
Neat little trail saw 150 big ass hornets trying to kill me as well as heard a rattlesnake — 3h 00m
May 19, 2022
Ashley Young
5.3mi
Oct 9, 2021
DD Demers
Jan 4, 2020
Bernard Fischer
7mi
Nov 29, 2019
Michael Shin
didn't do whole thing
Apr 27, 2019
Robert Franchino
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