Saguaro National Park – Rincon Mountain District (East)
Saguaro National Park East
The Cactus Forest Loop at the foot of the Rincon Mountains. Paved roads suit driving and cycling, while trails lead into native desert and mountain terrain.
The eastern district, in the Rincon Mountain area, is much larger than the western one. Its saguaros are older and more widely spaced, set against the towering Rincon Mountains. The Cactus Forest Loop Drive, about 13 km long, starts from the Rincon Mountain visitor centre. It is a one-way paved road popular with cyclists. Along the way are desert nature trails and the short Freeman Homestead trail, and fit hikers can take the long Tanque Verde Ridge trail. Park admission is shared with the western district. The eastern district is less crowded and quieter, and the light is best at sunrise. It is about a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Opening hours
Loop road approx. 05:00–20:00 (seasonal changes)
Nearby sights
- Pima Air & Space Museum & Boneyard Tour
- Sabino Canyon
- Colossal Cave Mountain Park
- Reid Park Zoo
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
- Fourth Avenue
- Barrio Viejo