Round Trip Distance: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 2811 - 28619 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Desert Ecology
Fee: $15/vehicle
Attractions: Wheelchair accessible, interpretive trail, wildlife
The Desert Ecology trail is located in the Rincon Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Saguaro National Park is divided between two areas, the Rincon Mountain District, on the east side of Tucson, and the Tucson Mountain District on the west. Both sections were set aside to protect areas of the Sonoran Desert and the saguaro cactus that grows in limited areas of the southwest United States.
The parking area for the Desert Ecology trail is along the Cactus Forest Loop Road. The trail begins across the road from the parking area.
The trail forms a short loop that heads north away from the road and loops back along Javelina Wash.
The Desert Ecology trail has many interpretive signs that cover different aspects of the desert environment that you are walking through. The trail is a good place to start for both children and adults to learn more about the unique ecosystem.
The area is diverse with many varieties of cacti as well as mesquite and palo verde trees and creosote bushes.
Several benches along the trail provide places for rest and reflection in a peaceful setting.
