Near Cactus Forest Trail
Flowering Saguaro along the Shantz trail.
Near Cactus Forest Trail
Mica View Trail got a makeover :) Hard pack trail without toe snubbers!
Near Cactus Forest Trail
Trail junction of Mica View and Cactus Forest Trails.
Near Cactus Forest Trail
Broadway Trailhead.
Near Cactus Forest Trail
View of the trail leading to Lime Falls. The hill in the photo was a source of lime for the nearby kilns.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Cactus Forest Trail

3.8 (8 Ratings)
A popular multi-use trail with fantastic views of the Sonoran Desert.
5.1
mi
Distance
432
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.1mi
Distance
432ft
Elevation Gain
175ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
3,108ft
High Point
2,762ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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).

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Shantz and Mica View Loop

Hike Route

Shantz and Mica View Loop

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.61 mi
+113 ft
Mica View - Cactus Forest Mini Loop

Hike Route

Mica View - Cactus Forest Mini Loop

Birding
easy
1.95 mi
+62 ft
Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop

Hike Route

Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop

Views
easy
3.67 mi
+145 ft
Wildhorse to Douglas Springs Loop

Hike Route

Wildhorse to Douglas Springs Loop

Family Friendly
easy
3 mi
+165 ft
Bridal Wreath Falls

Hike Route

Bridal Wreath Falls

Family Friendly
moderate
5.95 mi
+1,084 ft
Bridal Wreath Falls Loop

Hike Route

Bridal Wreath Falls Loop

Birding
moderate
7.29 mi
+1,164 ft
Contributors
Chris McD