This eight-mile paved loop weaves among giant saguaro cactus in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains about 16 miles east of downtown Tucson. The drive begins just past the visitor center, where you can see exhibits, consult the information desk, and peruse the bookstore's collection; the Cactus Garden just outside identifies desert plants. After about 2.2 miles on the one-way loop, you'll pass the road to Mica View Picnic Area on the left. Desert Ecology Trail, a paved quarter-mile loop, illustrates how plants and animals live in their desert home; it begins on the left 0.3 mile beyond the picnic area turnoff. Freeman Homestead Nature Trail winds past huge saguaro and along a mesquite-filled wash to an old homestead site in a one-mile loop; the turnoff is 200 yards down the spur road to Javelina Picnic Area.

Visitor Information

Contact Away