Saguaro National Park has a number of easy hikes that offer a lot of bang for their buck. Hikes like the Freeman Homestead Trail fall under this category but another trail that also does is the: Mica View Trail to Cactus Forest Trail. In this article, I’ll show you everything you need to know about the Mica View Trail to Cactus Forest Trail.
Mica View Trail to Cactus Forest Trail Overview
The Mica View Trail to Cactus Forest Trail is an easy loop hike approximately 2 miles and with an elevation gain of 72 feet. This is a perfect hike for a leisurely stroll that is partially on a paved/graded trail. It’s well suited for children and also seems to be popular with trail runners.
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 72 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Pets: No
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
Getting to the trail head
The trailhead is located at the Broadway trailhead in the East district. This is an area just north of the main entrance to the park and located right off Broadway. There is no area to collect a park entrance fee here.
Once you had east on Broadway, you will see some parking areas on the right and left side of the road as well as a sign for the Broadway trailhead, tucked under a towering saguaro.
There were quite a few cars when we arrived in the evening on a weekday so I think this parking lot gets pretty busy. Also, there were a number of trail runners on the trail during our hike so be prepared to encounter them.
Once you arrive there you have a choice to either go down the Mica View Trail first or the Cactus Forest Trail. We decided to make our return on the paved path so we ventured down the forest trail first.
Note that some people drive into the Mica View picnic area and begin this hike there as well.
Trail conditions
The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. You will need to transfer to a couple of trails and pass through a few washes so you will need to pay attention to make sure you don’t go down the wrong path but the signs are very easy to read and interpret.
Route description
We arrived at the trail at about 6 PM, which was one hour prior to sunset. We started off on the Cactus Forest Trail and started to make our way south.
Immediately, when we began the hike, we were greeted with a beautiful blooming teddy bear cholla. This was the first time I had seen one bloom since moving to Arizona and it was a sight to behold.
The trail is very level with minimal change in elevation. The Cactus Forest Trail at this point is a slight incline but hardly anything you will struggle with.
There’s a good mix of desert vegetation along this trail including a diverse range of both young and old saguaros.
You’ll find prickly pear, many types of cholla, (some large) barrel cactus, mesquite trees, desert peach, and many more. It’s truly a fine trail to encounter the different flora at this national park, and the backdrop of the Rincon mountains is pretty sweet.
In addition to the vegetation, you’ll likely encounter some local wildlife. We found a few bunnies, chipmunks, and quite a few birds hanging out on top of the saguaros.
At .8 miles into the trail, you will come to the trail junction with the Cholla Trail. At that point, keep heading south on the Cactus Forest Trail towards the Mica View Trail.
After about .3 miles, you will head west on the Mica View Trail. The first portion of this trail is not extremely scenic but if you are doing this hike around sunset you’ll be heading towards the sun which could be very beautiful.
You will soon reach the picnic area which is also where many people begin this hike. You’ll find benches, bathrooms, and covered pavilions in this area.
Keep walking north through the picnic area and you will see the paved path begin which will take you back to the trail head. It should be towards your left.
This is another very scenic trail with beautiful vegetation and wildflowers to admire.
The graded path is very easy to navigate and so it is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the desert. In the spring, you will likely encounter many wildflowers lining the path as well.
And because you will be heading west or at least northwest, the sunset will be right in your view.
There is no shade on this trail so I believe it is best done in the morning or evening if you are heading out during the hot summer months. But because it is only two miles and also very flat, it could be done during hotter temperatures without too many problems.
Final word
Overall, this loop is perfect for someone looking for an easy and beautiful stroll through the desert. The flat and partially paved terrain allows for minimal effort but there are plenty of opportunities to view both beautiful plant and wildlife.