Saguaro National Park guide · 1 min read
Cactus Forest Drive and Bajada Loop Drive
Cactus Forest Drive is an eight-mile loop through the eastern district of the park, in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.
The road is paved and one way only, and it begins and ends at the visitor center. Much of the route runs through a dense forest of saguaro cacti.
The drive has plenty of pullouts and viewpoints. Seven scenic parking areas along the road offer accessible spaces, and colorful interpretive signs there explain the park's features. Two stops are worth a closer look on foot. The Desert Ecology Trail is a short walking path. At the Javelina Rocks Overlook, a climb onto the rocks rewards you with a wide view across the park and toward Tucson.
Bajada Loop Drive is a six-mile loop in the western district, made up of Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. It is an unpaved, graded dirt road that standard passenger cars can manage, so a vehicle with extra ground clearance is not necessary. Dense stands of saguaros and assorted desert plants line the route. Part of Hohokam Road is one way, so drive the loop counterclockwise to avoid backtracking.
Several pullouts along Bajada Loop give you room to photograph the scenery or simply enjoy it from the vehicle. Picnic areas and trailheads along the route make it easy to stretch your legs. Bicycles are permitted on both loop drives. Cactus Forest Drive is paved, while Bajada Loop Drive has a gravel surface, so bring bike gear suited to each.
