Shorter Trails
Desert Ecology Trail -- Interpretive signs along this paved wheelchair-accessible walkway explain how plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert make the most of the limited amount of water available. .25 mile RT. Easy. Access: Cactus Forest Dr., east of the Mica View Picnic Area.
Freeman Homestead Trail -- This walk through gently rolling desert terrain offers good panoramic views, as well as close-up views of saguaro (including a 30-armed giant), ocotillo, and other desert plants. Along the way, you'll find several interpretive signs describing desert life, as well as the remains of the Freeman Homestead, a three-room adobe house built by Safford Freeman in 1929. All that's left is a mound of dirt from the adobe bricks. 1 mile RT. Easy. Access: Off Cactus Forest Dr., on the Javelina Picnic Area access road.
Longer Trails
Cactus Forest Trail -- This sandy, level trail, which is also accessible from two points on the Cactus Forest Drive, is simply a very pleasant walk. It passes through though a forest of cactus, primarily saguaro; a variety of other desert plants, such as paloverde and mesquite; and large beehive-shaped limekilns dating from about 1880. Bicycles are permitted on a 2.5-mile section of the trail inside the loop made by Cactus Forest Drive. 5 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Near the east end of Broadway Blvd., just east of Freeman Rd.
Douglas Spring Trail -- This trail through the foothills of the Rincon Mountains starts off fairly level but gradually becomes steeper. It then alternates between steep and flat sections all the way to Douglas Spring Campground. Along the way, you'll find lots of cactus, especially prickly pear, and some interesting rock formations. Signs of damage from a devastating 1989 fire can still be seen here, as well as the results of revegetation. The trail continues beyond the campground, providing access to other backcountry trails. You need a backcountry permit to stay overnight at the campground. 6 miles one-way (to Douglas Spring Campground). Strenuous. Access: East end of Speedway Blvd.
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail -- This trail offers splendid panoramic views as it follows a ridgeline northeast into the wilderness area. You'll see saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and other cactus for a while, and then pinyon, juniper, and some oak as you climb higher into the foothills. The Juniper Basin Campground, at 6,000 feet, is 2,900 feet higher than the trail head. Although the trail continues, this is a good spot for day hikers to turn around. 6.9 miles one-way (to Juniper Basin Campground). Strenuous. Access: Javelina Picnic Area off Cactus Forest Dr.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
