Trail Description

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The far-west side of Saguaro's Rincon Mountain District is referred to as 'The Cactus Forest', primarily for its high concentration of saguaros and remarkable floral diversity.

Saguaros flourish between 2,500' and 4,000', and where water can drain efficiently into nearby washes and arroyos; such conditions are widespread in this section of the Park. While some of the Cactus Forest does climb into the bajadas and foothills, much of it is generally flat, mild or rolling.

There is an exceptionally well-marked, web-like network of trails that enable hikers to create their own, easy to follow route through this gorgeous landscape. Trails toward the eastern edge of the Cactus Forest abut the foothills, and generally have more elevation change as a result.

The description below outlines one loop route option that captures all of the area's floral diversity, along with views and vantage points only attainable with minor elevation gains and losses. Running counter-clockwise, the hike described here includes:

The Douglas Spring Trail

The Garwood Trail

The Bajada Vista Trail

The Carrillo Trail, then back to

The Douglas Spring Trail

The trail leaves the Douglas Spring Trailhead amid towering saguaros and several dozen species of cacti, cholla and desert brush. It takes only a few steps to notice the incredible - if not improbable - diversity of desert vegetation. The flat, sandy trail quickly connects with the Garwood Trail; bear right.

This .9 mile section of the Garwood Trail runs by and through several washes, prominently showcasing the park's eponymous cactus. Dusk and dawn hikers should be on the lookout for coyote, javelina, roadrunners and jackrabbit.

While it's both tempting and possible to inadvertently wander off trail, be cognizant of your footsteps. An accidental run-in with prickly vegetation can cut your day short, and there may always be well-camouflaged rattlesnakes in the vicinity.

Elevation change is nominal until connecting with the Bajada Vista Trail, an interesting .9 mile segment that requires some moderately steep climbing up and around the foothills. While the floral mix remains constant, modest elevation changes provide increasingly better views in all directions.

The Bajada Vista Trail connects with the Carrillo Trail at about 3,340', having now climbed approximately 470' from the trailhead. Turn left towards the Douglas Spring Trail.

The Carrillo Trail maintains a more rugged disposition, dropping and climbing for short stretches along the edge of the foothills. Views from these higher points offer good perspectives on both the Cactus Forest (to the west) and mountainous backcountry (to the east).

After cresting the trail's highest point (approx. 3,460'), the trail winds down hill, ultimately running through a wash to its connection with the Douglas Spring Trail. Turn left for the final mile back to the trailhead.

The next few tenths of a mile drop rather abruptly, but soon level out on a softer surface. The final half-mile passes easily through massive saguaro stands and diverse cacti gardens.

Despite the relative ease of travel along many of these trails, do not over-estimate your abilities, nor under-estimate heat and sun exposure. Having a detailed map will heighten your comfort level while traveling through this magnificent area, and enable you to improvise routes with greater confidence and security.

Worth Noting

• Saguaros flourish between 2,500' and 4,000', and where water can drain efficiently into nearby washes and arroyos. This section of the park provides ideal conditions for saguaro growth.


• The Cactus Forest's trail network travels primarily through the Desert Scrub biotic community. With such an abundance and diversity of vegetation, it's worth taking along any resource (books, Park-provided materials, etc) that will help you identify the dozens of local cacti and plant species.


• While all trails and trail junctions are exceptionally well marked, it is always possible to inadvertently wander off course, especially by mistaking a wash for the trail. Be cognizant of your progress at all times.


• Be mindful of delicate vegetation and varied terrain; missteps and stumbles in the Cactus Forest can be harmful to both plant and human.

Directions to Trailhead

The Douglas Spring Trailhead begins at the end of Speedway Blvd. Travel east from Tucson to the end of Speedway Blvd. Parking is limited. Park only in designated spots.

Contact Information

Saguaro National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520-733-5153

Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520-733-5158