5 Epic Hiking Trails to Explore at Saguaro National Park

That desert sun shines bright here!

Saguaro National Park is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in Arizona. With beautiful desert scenery and a plethora of hiking trails, it's no wonder why!

Established in 1994 and named after one of the large cacti that only grows naturally in the deserts in the park, Saguaro National Park is known for its two separate areas, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District.

The Rincon Mountain District is located east of Tucson and includes the highest peak in the park, Mica Mountain. This area is popular for its many trails that offer stunning panoramic views of the city below.

Meanwhile, the Tucson Mountain District is west of Tucson and features different landscapes, including washes, bajadas, and desert grasslands. This area is home to the iconic Saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 40 feet tall!

If you're looking for an epic hiking adventure, look no further than Saguaro National Park. In this blog post from Parks and Landmarks, you’ll find five of the best trails to explore at Saguaro National Park. 

So pack your sunscreen and water bottle, and get ready to explore some of the most amazing landscapes in Arizona! Just keep in mind that the park charges a fee to use these trails.

Valley View Overlook Trail

The perfect trail for the little ones in your life or those who just want a short and easy hike, the Valley View Overlook Trail is the perfect relaxing experience.

The open valley you overlook on this trail is incredible, and many hikers recommend giving a nice loud yell down and listening for that stunning echo the valley gives off. 

Who knows, many of the birds that call this valley home may just answer you back!  

Total Distance: 0.80 miles

Elevation Gain: 49.2 feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Little to no shade on this trail
• This trail is rocky so bring proper hiking footwear
• This trail is family-friendly and perfect for younger children

Gould Mine

If you enjoy a bit of history with your hiking, be sure not to miss out on the Gould Mine trail.

Set on the site of a long-abandoned copper mine, this trail offers a glimpse into the past with its many ruins. Keep your eyes open and you might find a few old relics, including an old stone cabin and a few of the mine shafts that were used back in the day. 

The site has become overgrown in a naturally gorgeous way so you’ll be able to appreciate some beautiful desert foliage.

Total Distance: 2.29 miles

Elevation Gain: 380 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• A shaded picnic area is available on this trail
• This trail is known for its snake activity so watch your step
• Little to no shade on this trail
• Bring plenty of water on this trail

Tanque Verde Ridge

The thrill of hiking through the tall grass going up to Tanque Verde Ridge is unmatched, especially if you're an animal lover.

While this trail doesn't have the most amazing views, it does offer a great opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits Saguaro National Park. 

Many bugs and reptiles call this place home, so keep your eyes open, especially on the ground, for rattlesnakes. If you hear one, don't panic! Just give the snake some space, and it will go on its way.

Total Distance: 3.29 miles

Elevation Gain: 925 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail is known for its snake activity so watch your step
• This trail is rocky so bring proper hiking footwear
• The grass on this trail is overgrown, so be prepared to do some bushwacking
• Bring plenty of water on this trail

Bridal Wreath Falls Trail

Water and shade in the desert landscape? Yup, you read that right! This trail will offer both of those things to you as you hike to the Bridal Wreath Falls where it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a break.

While the shade will always be around (for the most part), the falls usually dry up after April — especially if there hasn't been much rain. 

If you want your chance to see the falls in action, we recommend going early in the year or keeping an eye on the weather report.

Total Distance: 3.29 miles

Elevation Gain: 1095 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• The falls may not have water if there has been a drought
• Lots of stairs on this trail to be prepared to climb
• Bring plenty of water on this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail

Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail

If you want to see everything Saguaro National Park offers, don't miss out on Wasson Peak. This is the tallest peak in the park. From the top, you'll get a 360-degree view of the entire surrounding desert.

Be ready for quite the workout, as the climb to the summit is no joke. You’ll find a steady incline the entire way up. But the views and the photo opps make that climb well worth it.

Total Distance: 9.32 miles

Elevation Gain: 2093 feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• This trail is not recommended for those without a high physical fitness level or experience in back-country hiking
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This is a narrow trail providing only single-file lines when walking
• This trail is rocky so bring proper hiking footwear
• Bring lots of water on this trail
• This is a day hike meaning you must bring food, hiking equipment and first aid kits with you for precaution
• Little to no shade on this trail

No matter what your hiking level is, there's a trail at Saguaro National Park for you. 

These are just five of the many trails available to explore, and we hope you get out there and enjoy all that this park has to offer!

Happy hiking!