RINCON MOUNTAINS

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: EASY

Duration: 3.5 HOURS

Distance: 6.8 miles (10.5km)

538ft (164m) Elevation gain

  This hike is relatively flat and will take you through classic desert scenery, surrounded by various types of cacti found in the southwest. By looking to the East, you can enjoy views of the Rincon Mountain Range. The trail is in excellent condition with very little elevation change. If you're new to hiking and ready to get off the paved trails and into something with a little more adventure, then this would be a great place to start.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: MODERATE

Duration: 4 HOURS

Distance: 8.5 miles (7.5km)

1,788ft (400m) Elevation gain

    This trail offers a beautiful scenery, wildlife, seasonal running water at the dam and an excellent workout. You'll encounter several sections of rolling hills that provide stunning valley views. The highlight of this route is the stunning views of the Catalina Mountains. The trail is well-marked and provides a pleasant, quiet experience.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: CHALLENGING

Duration: 6 HOURS

Distance: 9.8 miles (16km)

2,778ft (847m) Elevation gain

  This route showcases stunning scenery with blooming Saguaros, wildflowers, and waterfalls. The trail presents challenging terrain with significant elevation gain and limited shade, making it physically demanding but gratifying. Trail maintenance is highly regarded, and wildlife sightings are frequent, offering a distinctive desert hiking experience.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: EASY

Duration: 2.5 HOURS

Distance: 4.7 miles (7.5km)

430ft (131m) Elevation gain

  Moving through the eastern section of Saguaro National Park, this loop traverses a vast landscape of iconic cacti and desert foothills. The path travels across sandy washes showcasing the diverse flora of the Rincon Mountain District. The route features impressive stands of giant saguaros and expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Providing a moderate trek with steady elevation changes, this trail offers a scenic immersion into the quintessential wilderness of the Sonoran Desert.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: MODERATE

Duration: 4 HOURS

Distance: 7.3 miles (11.75km)

1,184ft (361m) Elevation gain

This beautiful hiking trail takes you through the stunning desert scenery, surrounded by cacti and other wonderful flora. The terrain is rocky with some sandy sections. The trail is mainly exposed to the sun, with very little shade, so it is recommended to bring enough water and sun protection. If you plan to visit during the spring months, you will be delighted with an abundance of wildflowers and blooming cacti.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: CHALLENGING

Duration: 7.5 HOURS

Distance: 13.8 miles (29km)

2,424ft (739m) Elevation gain

This trail will take you through stunning views of the area. At the fifth intersection, you will come across a spur trail leading to Bridal Wreath Falls. It's definitely worth taking the detour to see this beautiful waterfall. The trail ends at Douglas Spring Camp, which is a fantastic spot for camping.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: EASY

Duration: 2 HOURS

Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5km)

82ft (25m) Elevation gain

  This route offers an easy and fun hike. It offers stunning and diverse views of the desert and cacti. The trail is well-maintained, well-marked, and mostly flat. The surrounding landscape is dotted with lots of different cacti, including majestic Saguaros and Prickly Pear.

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: MODERATE

Duration: 4 HOURS

Distance: 7.2 miles (11.5km)

1,141ft (348m) Elevation gain

This hike is a delightful experience that will take you through classic desert terrain, showcasing all the typical desert scenery along with breathtaking views of the Rincon Mountain Range and Catalina Mountains. 

Location: Saguaro National Park East 

Intensity: CHALLENGING

Duration: 3.5 HOURS

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.85km)

1,522ft (464m) Elevation gain

  This beautiful trail can be rocky and steep in some parts, so wearing boots and bringing trekking poles is recommended. The trail leads along a ridgeline that ends with fantastic panoramic views of the dome. The trail is generally well-maintained but watch out for some spiky cacti in certain areas.