Saguaro National Park East
Tucson, Arizona
Road
8 miles | 645 ft elevation
Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections located to the east and west of Tucson, Arizona. Visiting the park allows you to get up close and personal with the giant saguaros and other diverse plants. In the east (Rincon Mountain District), you can ride the Cactus Forest Loop, a 8-mile paved road that runs through the park and feels like a rollercoaster! If you’re headed to Tucson for some winter training, this is the perfect warm-up ride to wake up your legs and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
From the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center parking lot, pass through the ranger gate and stay to the left to begin the loop down the one-way road. Enjoy the twists, turns, ups and downs of the first mile as you ride past a variety of cacti. About 3.5 miles into the ride, you’ll start to climb and continue upward for the next 1.5 miles.
At mile 7, you’ll take a right to continue riding the loop. The road allows for two-way traffic for the last mile as you make your way back to the visitor center. If you’re looking to get more miles in, take another spin around the loop to double your mileage and elevation on this fun, fast route.
Hotel Recommendation
Loews Ventana Canyon - nestled in the Catalina Mountains, this resort has everything you need to rest up between epic ride days. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and many rooms offer balconies with a view. There are multiple restaurants on site, which is convenient and the food & drinks were delicious. The pool is large and the hot tub and plunge pool are perfect for some post-ride recovery. The grounds are beautiful, with some short hiking options from the property, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor lounge areas to gather.
Notes
Be sure to review the official Saguaro National Park website for the latest information about the park.
You will need to pay an entrance fee to enter the park.
The visitor center parking lot is small and parking may be scarce during peak times. There are also a few spots along the loop once you enter the park.
You will share the road with cars on this route; however, the road is one-way for 7 out of the 8 miles and cars are typically driving slowly.
There is no water available along the loop, so plan accordingly.
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