Loop of connected trails at Saguaro National Park East, made up Shantz, Pink Hill, Loma Verde, Cholla and Cactus Forest trails in 2012.
Meet the desert (without shaking its hand)
Newcomers mystified by their new surroundings will find few better introductions to the Sonoran Desertโs plants and animals than at the eastern unit of Saguaro National Park.
Not only can you get close to the parkโs namesake cactus on pullouts along the paved 8-mile loop drive starting at the main entrance, you also can see a century-old mine site along the Loma Verde Trail, as well as bits of the stateโs homesteading and ranching history on the network of trails leading into the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.
Access the park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, from I-10 exit 275 (north on Houghton) or East Broadway; right on Spanish Trail in both cases.
