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Best trails in Saguaro National Park

Best trails in Saguaro National Park

4.6(54,385 reviews)

·

United States
#28 of 60 national parks

Set on either side of the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. The park has two separate districts, Rincon Mountain (East) and Tucson Mountain (West), both of which offer stunning desert landscapes and opportunities to explore. Highlights include prehistoric petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people, and an abundance of the iconic saguaro cacti for which the park is named.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(520) 733-5153
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

This fee is charged per-vehicle upon entrance, regardless of the number of riders. An Annual Pass will cover two motorcycles traveling together if the two people who signed that pass are on different motorcycles. A Lifetime Pass (such as the Access or Senior Pass) with one signature line will only cover one motorcycle.

$20
Get details from the park
Per Person

Individuals entering the park by means other than a motor vehicle may purchase individual entrance passes. This includes hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists. The individual entrance fee is charged to anyone 16 years of age or older.

$15
Private Vehicle

The vehicle entrance pass is sold in the form of a dated register receipt and admits one privately owned, non-commercial vehicle into Saguaro National Park. This includes passenger cars, trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, or converted buses used for private, recreational purposes.

$25
Annual pass
Park

This pass covers up to 4 adults (anyone over the age of 16) or everyone in a single, non-commercial, vehicle. Is accepted in both districts of the park.

$45
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The East and West Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.

Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible; some are auto-caravans (where rangers speak near your vehicle).

Additional information about accessibility at Saguaro National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The East and West Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.

The Mica View and Javelina Picnic Areas in Saguaro East and Sus, Signal Hill, Cam-Boh, and Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic Areas in Saguaro West are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Saguaro National Park

47,152 trailgoers Busiest in March
May 2, 2025Backpacking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

This trail traverses the width of the eastern section of Saguaro National Park. It is a beast of a hike but totally worth it. The saguaros are starting to bloom and it is lovely to see. As you climb the vegetation changes until at the top of the trail you are in a pine forest. I hiked in from the Pistol Road trailhead (about 4 miles) to the start of this passage. It was a steep climb to the Grass Shack campground. I camped there for the night and was able to filter water out of two small stagnant pools filled with leaves. The next morning I hiked up to Manning Camp and then out the other side. Again, very steep climb that just doesn’t stop until you reach the top (~8500 ft) but totally worth it. Manning Camp is super cool. All the views are spectacular. Well worth the effort it takes to do this hike! (Note: this is a 23 mile hike but AllTrails only shows my second day. )

Difficulty: Hard
Alta Loma Trailhead to Grass Shack Camp Trail
Apr 20, 2025Road biking
Great conditions

Beautiful walk in Saguaro National Park we found a GILA MONSTER! Ended at 10:40!

Difficulty: Easy
Desert Ecology Trail
Apr 19, 2025
Great conditionsGreat views

Fantastic hike for views of Saguaro National Park West. Went with a group and we got there in the morning at around 7:30 and parking lot was mostly empty. Came in under 5 hours total.

Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine
Mar 17, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

This was my first trail at Saguaro National Park and it was awesome! It was peaceful and serene with beautiful majestic Saguaros as far as the eye can see. There was even a cool crested Saguaro right along the trail, about 1.5 miles in. The trail was 3.4 miles total, I lost service for a bit. We saw a deer and lots of colorful birds. It was a great way to spend a Monday morning!

Conditions: Great!
Garwood Trail
Jun 28, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Inclines! Bring a stick or 2. Watch your footing, lots of loose rock. Not much shade so sunblock hats long sleeves and LOTS of water. Wildlife was active, saw deer, lizards, birds, ground squirrels. Saguaros were fruiting. Great morning.

Safford (Sombrero) Peak Via North Scenic Drive
Jun 24, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Saguaros are in fruit and early morning temperatures are nice.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
Packrat and Passey Loop Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Saguaro National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Saguaro National Park is Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine, which has a 4.8 star rating from 3,774 reviews. This trail is 7.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,863 ft.

What is the longest trail in Saguaro National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Saguaro National Park is Tanque Verde Peak and Rincon Peak. This trail is estimated to be 44.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Saguaro National Park?

There are 79 trails in Saguaro National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 54,385 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Saguaro National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Saguaro National Park has you covered. Tanque Verde Peak and Rincon Peak boasts the most elevation gain with 13,546 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cow Head Saddle Trail, which will get you 7,637 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Saguaro National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Saguaro National Park and the most popular is Tanque Verde Peak via Tanque Verde Ridge Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 393 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Saguaro National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 25 running trails in Saguaro National Park and the most popular is Mica View and Cactus Forest Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 2,152 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Saguaro National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Saguaro National Park and the most popular is Cactus Forest Loop Drive with an average 4.6 star rating from 539 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Saguaro National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Saguaro National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Saguaro National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Saguaro National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Saguaro National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with archaeological sites in Saguaro National Park, including Signal Hill Trail and Cactus Wren and Manville Loop.

Are there any trails with springs in Saguaro National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Saguaro National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Saguaro National Park: Cactus Forest Loop Drive.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Saguaro National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Saguaro National Park, including King Canyon, Sendero Esperanza, and Gould Mine Loop, Signal Hill Trail, and Cactus Wren and Manville Loop.

Are there any trails with dams in Saguaro National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with dams in Saguaro National Park, including Garwood Dam To Douglas Spring Loop, Wild Horse to Garwood Dam, and Shantz - Cholla - Squeeze - Wildhorse Loop.